Since the year is coming to the end, and what is basically the largest holiday is almost here lets talk about the importance of this time of year. Personally, I haven't been the largest holiday lover in the past. I have split parents, which makes the holidays a decision of which side of the family I can spend this special time with. However, what I have noticed with everyone this time of year is the lack of the true meaning of our holidays.

This time of year seems to be filled with stress, shopping, and schedules. It seems like an overwhelmingly amount of us have forgotten what this time of year is truly about. Thanksgiving has passed, and I began to wonder how many of us actually enjoyed time with our loved ones and gave thanks to the things we have. Were we focused on talking, laughing, and enjoying meals, or were we on social media or focusing on those Black Friday deals we would catch hours later? It saddens me to think that the meaning of these holidays has transferred from the love and appreciation we feel for others in our hearts, to the material things we can gain towards the end of the year.

When I think of Christmas, I can recall my favorite Christmas year. It was from when I was younger. Everywhere felt like Christmas and joy. I sometimes wonder if that was just the young innocence of this crazy world. Now, I realize we just need a little bit of refocusing.

When you think of your favorite Christmas was it when you were younger, maybe with less worries and more excitements for this time of year?

It seems like now, as we grow into adults Christmas becomes more of a stressor rather than a joyful, happy time of year. Through the past few years it seems (atleast to me) as if the holiday cheer has died. Less decorations, celebrations, traditions, and love.

But why? Has this time of year shifted from a love filled time to a materialistic mess?

I know so many families that feel as if they are not financially able to give gifts for Christmas, so they are "not participating." What in the world does that even mean?! It means that we are not focused on the true meaning of what it is to celebrate this holiday.

So I am challenging YOU. It is the beginning to December. I am challenging all of my amazing BSG members to spread the REAL, RAW, TRUE meaning of Christmas. Lets all remember what it is about. Love, joy, and open hearts. This should be a beautiful time of year. We should be displaying love through more than just wrapped boxes under a tree.
Watch those Christmas movies, go to the park and see the beautiful lights, go to Christmas plays, do good deeds each day, decorate, make those cute Pillsbury cookies. In all, lets be kind, put a smile on a strangers face, be there to help, spread a smile, and remember the true reason for our holidays. Make miracles happen for one another in small or large ways. Use those love languages to make those around you feel that warm fuzzy feeling. Stop stressing over what to buy one another, and focus on how to love and spread Christmas joy throughout this ENTIRE month. Lets make this time of year magical again.

#TISTHESEASON

Also, I encourage everyone to join my BSG group, just search on Facebook! :)