The holiday season is upon us. Christmas lights are being hung, ornaments are going on the tree, entire radio stations are dedicating themselves to a full month of snappy little holiday tunes, your bank account slowly but oh so surely sees its balance drained as you continue to find things that will never be used to buy for people who don't need anything, and every store in town is drenched in sickening shades of red and green. Oops! Did I let my Scrooge show there? I can't ever remember being a "Christmas girl." I don't know if it was something about the creepy Santas when I was a kid or the fact that my parents tried to lie to me for years about where my newest Barbie came from or my aversion to surprises that led me to wait up and see all the gifts "Santa" laid out for me after my parents went to bed, but I never fully came down with Christmas fever. For the past several Christmases, I've tried to lay low. Quietly awaiting the turning of the seasons, I hoped I could gain the mental "I survived Christmas 2015" plaque, muster up a 'tis this season attitude for the two or three Christmas parties I had gotten invited to and move on, back to REAL life.

Why is my heart so cold? Why can't I just get over myself and get behind a month of peppermint mochas at Starbucks? There is a lot of pressure to get excited over the extras surrounding Christmas- the gifts, the songs, the gingerbread, the little dog elf costumes. And I just can't. But, there are true blessings that come with the holiday season that I have been missing for all the tensile in my face! And truthfully, no one likes the Grinch to rain on their Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (which I made a solid effort not to do last Thursday).

Tips for NOT Scrooging up the Holiday Season

1. Shop online

Avoiding the stores is a guaranteed blood pressure lowerer during the holidays. If you know you're the one to snap at the cashier in Target because you can't take another little kid yelling about the firetruck they want for Christmas, just go ahead and order on the internet. You can thoughtfully and peacefully find presents for your loved ones without breaking your no mental curse words rule.

2. Take your siblings (or other little ones) to look at Christmas lights

The simple joy children have is infectious! Looking at light displays in your neighborhood is an easy way to entertain and have meaningful moments with your loved ones. Get some hot cocoa or one of those peppermint mochas, turn on the seat warmers, and hit the road.

3. Make non-traditional decorations

Get creative! Maybe the classic white angel on top of the tree isn't your thing. Find new ways to decorate your home that mean something to you. Get your family or friends to join, and spend some quality time with them while you're at it.

4. Serve the people in your community who need it

The holiday season and winter in general can be very difficult for those without homes or means to pay for coats and shoes and elderly people who live away from their families. Get your friends together to visit a nursing home or start a coat drive. Focusing on loving others is a great way to shift away from what you don't like about Christmas and experience the joy of serving another.

5. Use this opportunity to share Jesus

This is the most important one. If you know Christ, you know that His entrance into this world was truly remarkable, changed your life forever, and is something to be celebrated. Christmas time is the biggest opportunity of the entire year to talk about Jesus and what He did on earth and in your life. If you're busy saying bah humbug or even if you're too wrapped up in excitement for the holiday, you'll miss this opportunity. This is the opportunity to give the best gift you have to offer- the love of Jesus Christ.