The Christmas season is here. Are you ready?

Isn’t it crazy how this season full of joy, hope, and celebration can cause so much stress? It seems like we work for Christmas rather than celebrate it. We will struggle through the season and after all is done, we can say “We Survived Christmas!” We get so wrapped up in the system of the season that stress is the norm.

What causes you stress during the season?

Here are a few simple reminders and a little ordinary wisdom that can help take the stress out of the season and keep Christmas alive.

Remember what Christmas is all about. Take a minute and watch this clip of Linus’s speech in the classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

Build Family Traditions. Every year we try to have friends over for a pancake breakfast. We also have a family tradition that includes unique tree ornaments and pjs. Memories over stuff.

Plan. Spending seems to be part of the system of Christmas. So, make sure you have a plan and a budget. Don’t give yourself debt to give someone a gift. Debt can happen when we give out of guilt or impulse spend.
I shared a few ideas for saving money here. Check it out.

Remember, Build, and Plan.

How do you keep the meaning of Christmas alive?