In 2026, what will you remember about Christmas 2021?

What do you remember about your childhood Christmas celebrations? How do you want your family to answer that question someday? If you’re like me, you don’t tend to remember the gifts you were given as much as the special moments. One of my great regrets with my kids is that our Christmas season was often too crowded with everyone else’s agendas rather than the one we set for our family. We tried to attend everything we thought we should, which meant we were gone from our kids more often than we wished.

The preacher and spouse are supposed to be at every church program and celebrate with the numerous church groups. Throw in a few community events, as well. It took some strategic planning to make sure we could share Christmas as a family. Eventually, I learned to look at the holiday with a larger perspective. I remember thinking, ten years from now, the people who would be most important to me should also be most important to me now. That helped me say, “no” a little more often.

Before your calendar gets too full, it’s good to consider this year’s holiday with a 2026 perspective. Five years from now, what will you and your family talk about and laugh about when remembering Christmas? That answer should impact your Christmas planning this year. You have an entire month to celebrate. There is plenty of time to make sure this Christmas creates some great memories for the future generations. Christmas is a season when family, generosity, kindness, joy, peace, and caring about others is front and center. The world is watching our celebrations, our priorities, and our values. Our Christmas celebration may be the best witness opportunity of the entire year! What will your family do together this year that will share your witness with others?

The shepherds were going about their normal lives when the night sky was suddenly bright. The angel said, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11. Our normal lives are interrupted by Christmas as well. Be okay with that. Trust me, Christmas 2022 is right around the corner, and your family will be glad you did!

Shalom, Paul