It’s almost Christmas! Are you excited?

I’m always excited at Christmastime! It’s my favorite time of the year. I love attending the Simbang Gabi. I love decorating the house. I love doing arts and crafts with my kids. I love going places with them and making many happy memories. I love wrapping gifts and giving them away. I love the cool weather. I love the sights and sounds of Christmas.

With a few days to go before Christmas, it also means that the year is about to end.

Christmas is such a busy season. We need to buy groceries for our noche buena and media noche feast. We need to buy gifts for our family and friends. We need to have the house cleaned and ready for guests. We need to attend gatherings or parties. But let me remind all of us through this post of the essential things we must make time for this Christmas and before the year ends.

It seems that there is much to be done during Christmastime. In truth, I believe that there are only 3 things that we REALLY must do this December or before the year ends. All the rest are not that important. Let me enumerate them.

1. Make time for God/Jesus, the reason for the season.

   There wouldn’t be CHRISTmas without CHRIST. It was because God the Father so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, to save us from our sins and eternal death. Thus, this Christmas, let us thank God the Father for the gift of salvation through JESUS CHRIST. Let us thank JESUS for the gift of Himself, for taking the form of man, for humbling Himself to become a helpless baby to someone who died on the cross. Let us make time to bond with our Savior, to adore Him, to express our thanksgiving and to reciprocate His love. It was because He first loved us that we are able to love in return. Let us show Him our love in ways we know how, in ways we know best. Let this be our birthday gift to the Birthday Boy.

2. Make time for yourself through reflection/introspection.

   The Christmas rush is on. But it is good to quiet our hearts and minds as well for silent reflection. It’s a great time to introspect and search our hearts to review the year that was. What brought us joy? Which of our dreams came true this year? What goals did we achieve? Which of our prayers were answered? Let us make time to list down our joys for the year and give thanks to God for these blessings/favors. We celebrate Christmas in December. Yet, throughout the year, God never stops showering us with gifts. I did this recently by looking at the photos on my phone in the past year. It felt great to relive those happy moments with my husband and kids. Let us make time to remember these blessings and rejoice once more for receiving them. Let us also ask ourselves in what areas we need to improve on. What do we need to do to become better persons next year? How can you be a better parent? What do we need to change in ourselves? What do we need to learn in life and in business? Lastly, let’s make time to plan for the year ahead. If we want to experience more joyful moments next year, why don’t we plan more of those for next year? What do we need to do to experience those joys and wins once more? How can we position or prepare ourselves to be ready for more joyful and winning moments? How can we overcome our weaknesses and struggles? What do we need to do to make our new year more successful in the different areas of our life?

3. Make time for family and friends.

   Christmas is a wonderful time to let the important people in our lives experience the love of God through us. It’s a great time to reconnect and build stronger relationships, first with family members and then with friends. Have you spent too much time at work in the past year? Now is a great time to make deposits in your children’s emotional bank accounts. Make amends by spending as much  quality time with them as you can during the holidays. Were you not as hands-on as you wanted to be with your kids? Look for activities or opportunities this Christmas to bond with them in ways they would appreciate the most. Be present to your children and spouse. Be truly present, in mind, heart and spirit. Don’t let your gadgets or work deadlines distract you. Make time to look them in the eye. Make time to listen to their stories. Do not hurry them in finishing their stories. Do not ignore them when they have questions or stories to share. Indulge them more. Your time and your presence are the most beautiful presents you can give to your family.

   Make time to meet up with friends as well. But I suggest that these are the kind of friends who are a positive influence in your life. Surround yourself with people who support your biggest dreams and goals, who encourage and inspire you to be the best you can be. Meet up with friends who help you grow, who love you for your true self, who have been with you through hard times, not just good times. Celebrate life and friendship with these kinds of friends!

If you do these 3 things, I guarantee that you will not only end this year with a bang but you will also welcome the new year with a lot of hope, confidence, energy and joyful anticipation!

I wish you and your families a blessed Christmas and an abundant new year!