Remember the True Meaning of Christmas

Let Your Joyful Presence be Your Present

This list is a simple reminder of what we should truly focus on this Christmas season. 
As our favorite holiday is fast approaching let's take a few moments to slow down and remember what Christmas is all about. 
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The Most Wonderful Gift You Can Give Your Loved Ones is a Healthy, Sober YOU!

​What did I want every Christmas from my mom?
Money? No.
Presents? No.
​I just wanted her to be healthy and sober. 
Holidays were really hard, especially the last few years of her life. 
Her addiction had deteriorated her health so much that she was in constant pain. 
It hurt to watch her hurting. 
Every year she always made sure she had gifts for us. 
While her generosity was greatly appreciated it did nothing to comfort our hearts that ached  so much from watching her struggle. 
I'd trade every gift I've ever received if it meant I could have a sober, healthy mom. 
Give the gift of being present this Christmas. 

Whoever You Are Spending the Holidays with Wrap them in a Hug

While I understand that not everyone is a hugger (being an extreme hugger I struggle to comprehend how on Earth this is possible?!)  
However, I do want to share the scientific health benefits of hugging!
Yes, trust the science! 
If you're not prone to hugging anyone and everyone like some of us are then maybe this list will persuade you.
​Click here to learn how hugging can help you!
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Free Gifts

Giving peace will cost you zero dollars this Christmas!
Peace can look like sweet acts of service, kind words, and a gentle spirit. 
Peace also looks like your family not worrying about how your intoxication may affect this joyous day.  
When you love someone in active addiction - peace of mind is hard to come by. 
You are constantly waiting for the bottom to fall out. 
You don't know if your addicted loved one will say something inappropriate, do something embarrassing, or even worse the thought runs through your mind that this may be your last Christmas together. Their disease could take them at any time.
So before you drink or use to "celebrate" the holiday - remember that you could choose to give peace instead.
And in return you will receive peace!
The day after Christmas won't be filled with regret, shame, and hurt feelings. 
On the contrary, you will wake up feeling blessed, grateful, and at peace.
What a priceless gift! 
Share with us in the comments how to plan to provide peace to the people you love the most.
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Donate Your Resources, Time, or Talents

Recently, the Boy Scouts hung plastic bags on the door knobs of our neighborhood to collect non-perishable food items for those in need. 
What a sweet sentiment. 
Giving back is another gift that blesses the giver. 
It helps us to help others. 
When we feed the needy we feed our soul. 
If you missed the Boy Scout collection - check out this website to see what locations in your area accept food donations. 
Check with your church or local food pantry to see how you can volunteer in a food bank or start a food drive. 
Are you talented in the kitchen?
The Restore Network matches volunteers with foster families to provide meals to those that have opened their homes to children in need. 
Be a blessing this Christmas. 
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Matthew 5:13-16

​“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.read more.
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
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Be the light in a dark world. 
The greatest gift you can give to anyone is to share Jesus!

We hope you enjoyed today's message. 
Please tell someone about Your Praying Friend, but more importantly -
Tell everyone about Jesus!
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