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Well, it’s that time of year again. Soon, people will start asking me, “Are you ready for Christmas?” “Always!” I usually reply. Because to me, the birth of my Savior and his presence in my life is something to be “ready for” every day of the year. It’s why Christmas decorations and such in October don’t bother me, because Jesus’ birth is something to celebrate at any and all times. We are in the season of thanks and joy — Thanksgiving reminds us to be thankful, and Christmas reminds us to be joyful.

My Christmases have been pretty stress-free since the year I figured out that I didn’t “have to” do all the stuff I had done in Christmases past. Every December I hear people complaining that they “have to” bake cookies, or put up decorations, or go shopping, or any number of things. But who tells them they “have to”? There are no Christmas police. I’ve never heard of anybody being arrested or fined if they cut back.

Jesus evidently approved of celebrations. He attended all the Jewish festivals, and his first reported miracle was at a wedding. I wonder what he would say about what the world has turned his birthday celebration into, though. I bet he wouldn’t want people to be stressed, tired and in debt, all for something that is supposed to make them happy.

And he did say that his followers are in the world, but not of the world. During one of his recorded prayers he said, “I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than i am of the world.” (John 17:14) Christians are not supposed to be like everybody else. We are supposed to stand out, to be a model to show the world what life with Christ is like.

Anyway, that’s what led me to start spending the Christmas season doing only things I take pleasure in. There were a few community events where I lived that I truly enjoyed, so I went to those and skipped the others. An enjoyable evening for me is spending time with my family — and now that I live alone, a quiet night at home with a book or a movie. I put up some decorations because they are pretty and make me feel happy, but not so many that I am tired out from putting them up and taking them down again. I sometimes bake, sometimes just buy cookies. I do what I have energy for, and don’t worry about the rest.

I do things that give me joy — charitable donations, a cup of tea and a couple cookies in the afternoon, sending cards or making phone calls to family and friends. What I do NOT do is stress out over buying presents or any other aspect of the holiday. In fact, most of my friends and family live far away, and it costs so much to mail packages that I decided it would be happier for them if I give them the money I would have spent on the gift plus postage, so I send them a check or gift card instead of something that would just take up space in their house.

I hope I am “preaching to the choir” here and that all of you already have joyous, stress-free Christmases, keeping your focus on the Reason for the Season. By the way, at my house you will find Christmas decorations and Christmas music all the way through January 6. The 12 days of Christmas — you’ve heard that song? — are December 25 through January 5, and then January 6 is Epiphany. The Magi are a beloved part of the Christmas story so I don’t consider the season to be “over” officially until they have entered the picture. So feel free to visit me anytime that first week of January. I’ll still have plenty of tea and hot chocolate and cookies. Christmas joy to all of you!