What are your favorites Christmas memories? What do you remember about Christmas as a child? Probably not the things your parents were worried and anxious about. This realization helps us to prioritize what matters most and remember that many of the things we worry about, nobody else notices.
Welcome back to Best Christmas Ever! Where we are exploring 28 Ways to Make this Your Best Christmas Ever!
#6 is… Create Memories. Making memories is infinitely more important than giving gifts. So as we journey toward Christmas, each time you think about giving someone a gift, reflect for a moment on your favorite memory with that person–it may be a Christmas memory, it probably isn’t, and that’s okay.
Dreams and memories are both powerful gifts God has given us. Spend some time dreaming and praying about the memories you want to create with and for others this Christmas?
If you are short of ideas, ask the people in your life about their favorite Christmas memories. Ask friends and family. Ask strangers that cross your path over the next couple of weeks.
Hearing other people’s favorite Christmas memories will bring new levels of clarity and intentionality to your preparations for Christmas this year.
Two things stand out for me in particular:
1. The vast majority of people’s favorite Christmas memories have nothing to do with gifts, and yet we spend an inordinate amount of time, money, and energy focused on gifts at Christmas. People remember the intangibles: throwing snowballs, siting by the fireplace, someone being able to make it home unexpectedly, going to Church, and the unmitigated joy of children. The best things in life are free. The most amazing and memorable aspects of Christmas don’t cost anything, in fact, you cannot buy them with all the money in the world.
2. Many of the things we get all worked up about don’t matter that much. So if you feel yourself getting anxious and stressed, ask yourself: Does this really matter? Is it important to another person, to God, or to my ego?
And don’t forget to spend some time reflecting on your fondest Christmas memories.
Christmas is a magical time to make memories with the people we love. Do it intentionally this year. If you are trying to pass your faith onto children or grandchildren, may I suggest intentionally creating some spiritual memories.
Matthew Kelly
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