25 Tips of Christmas - Day #14:

Tis the season to be WAY TOO BUSY. Take a few minutes each day to get away from the hype and rush, even if it's only 5 minutes, even if you have to lock yourself in the bathroom. In that precious time, focus on what will make a meaningful, purpose-driven holiday. Decide between what is good and what is best for your family.

Here are a few ideas to focus your festivities:

• Re-read the Christmas story from Luke 1-2
• Pray for military families and all those separated this Christmas
• Make a meal for an elderly family and stop in for a visit
• Volunteer to ring a bell for the Salvation Army
• Share some of your treats with a group home (Ronald McDonald House, maternity home, halfway house, etc)
• Play an extra game with your children
• Donate time/skills/items to a homeless shelter
• Bless your church staff with a note of appreciation or plate of goodies
• Smile at random strangers
• Hold the door for people
• Give up the best parking spot in the lot to someone else and walk off some cookies
• Donate a new toy to a toy drive
• Laugh or be silly every occasion that you can
• Breath, deeply
• Leave a comment for a blogger you follow (hint, hint)
• Make a conscious effort to chose to be grateful rather than grouchy.

What keeps you grounded and focused? I'd love to hear your ideas.