I don’t know about you, but this time of year really gets me right in the heart. I look around at everyone — myself included — and wonder, where has the simplicity gone? We spend so much time this season snatching and grabbing deals and bargains for the next latest and greatest toy or tech gadget, when in reality, all our family really needs is real. uninterrupted. quality. time. with. each. other.

Every time around this time of year, something in me craves simplicity. A Christmas move and a bowl  of popcorn with my family is worth more to me than a million dollars. Laughing hysterically at episodes of Duck Dynasty with my family is priceless.

This season, I am going to work harder at keeping things simple — baking with my daughter, loving my husband, focusing on God and His son Jesus– that is what it’s really about. Not the presents, not the trips, not all the flashiness that the marketing people and media have made it out to be.

It’s about closeness as a family.

Mary and Joseph knew that all too well. The closer it gets to Christmas, my heart reflects more on what Mary, in her young age, must have thought the entire time she watched her belly grow with child. That simple gift from the Father above is the best gift anyone could have given. That is what I want to focus on this season.

What about you? What will you focus on this year?