I went to pick up our dinner last Saturday night and saw some Christmas trees up and decorated. It isn’t even Thanksgiving yet. On Monday I asked my students: “Who has their tree up already?” A few kids put their hands up and back down quickly. I asked who puts theirs up over Thanksgiving and a bunch of kids put their hands up. When I was growing up, it was the middle of December until ours went up. Times change.

I love the holiday season. I love the music and the decorations and all the fun of secrets and packages. I enjoy getting all the decorations up and will often sit up late enjoying the tree and the wonderful feelings that come with this special time of year. I will admit that I love putting everything up, but I definitely don’t like taking it all back down.

I will work the next couple of weekends getting everything up. Most of my neighbors put out lights, which makes coming down our street a real treat this time of year. Once I get the outside done, I will start working on the inside. It’s mid-December until I have it all up. I have a village on the mantel and decorations in almost every room. That’s why it takes until about mid-January to get it all back down again.

I look forward to getting the mail in December. I like getting the cards and holiday letters to hear how friends are doing. I know I can just look on Facebook, but there is nothing like finding something other than catalogs and bills in the mailbox. It seems we get fewer and fewer cards each year, but I don’t have much room to talk as we never got our cards out last year.

I am glad that many stores have held off playing Christmas music until Thanksgiving. We were at the mall over Veterans Day weekend and noticed that Santa was already taking customers. I think it would be tough taking kids to see the jolly old saint before Thanksgiving because they are bound to change their minds on what they want for Christmas.

By the time you read this column, we will be in full Christmas mode. As we make the mad dash toward the most holy night of the year, let me encourage you about two things. First, let’s agree to enter this season with a grateful heart. I like that the holiday season begins with Thanksgiving. I hope we enjoy the turkey and reflect on how lucky and blessed we are before we rush out for Black Friday deals.

We live in the greatest country in the world. I know the news tries to convince us differently. But stop and look around; we are lucky to live in freedom, to have a democratic government, and to be blessed with abundance. We have good friends, families, and churches. We can openly talk about our faith and worship God our creator.

So begin the holiday season this year with thanksgiving in your heart. Secondly, I want to encourage you to enjoy each moment along the way. Be present at the parties and make some good memories. Laugh and share a tear with family and friends. Enjoy the search for that special gift for the ones you love. Share hugs and don’t forget to say “I love you.”

Enjoy decorating. Take a moment and remember those special memories that are tucked away. Savor the good food and the holiday cheer. Eat a few extra desserts and holiday treats without the guilt. Smile and allow God’s love to fill your heart.

It really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The music will fill the air. The message of hope and peace on earth is real. God went to great lengths to let us know how much He loves us. There is no room for doubt when grace and mercy abound. Whether you are old or young, prepare your hearts to receive the greatest gift of all: Jesus, God’s son. It’s free and it’s for you. With our focus on Jesus, this could be our best Christmas.

I want to encourage you to enter the holiday season with thanksgiving in your heart and to savor every moment and experience along the way. It can be crazy, but if you allow His peace to surround your heart He will keep you. If you allow His joy to rise up within you then worry and stress will melt away. If you allow His love to captivate you, I assure you that you won’t miss the reason for this season.

Contact Doug at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041 or doug@dougcreamer.com