Daly Focus Blog
Is it too early to start thinking about Christmas?
It’s not if you hope to have a smooth December and enjoy a stress-free Christmas season. That can be tough to do if you’re not organized.
Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy. A time for us to reflect on our Savior who came as a baby in a manger and soon took upon Himself the sins of the world.
Instead, we get caught up in all the “stuff” of Christmas: the lights, the decorations, the shopping.
By now, you’ve already seen It’s a Wonderful Life two or three times (and if not Jimmy Stewart and the gang, then maybe Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, or A Christmas Story and Ralphie’s quest for a Red Rider BB gun in spite of every warning that he’d shoot his eye out).
That’s why on a special edition of our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Reflecting on Christmas Memories,” we’re sharing Christmas stories that you’ve not heard before.
What’s the most thoughtful Christmas present you’ve ever received?
Technology gifts tend to top the “most popular” lists these days. From iPhones to iPads, video games to flat screen television sets, holiday giving can be an inordinately expensive undertaking – if you’re so inclined to follow current trends. According to Gallup, the average American will spend $885 on gifts this year, and a third will shell out more than a $1000.
At the risk of dating myself, Christmas gift-giving looked a lot different back when I was a child.
Christmas is one of the most special times of the year. That’s partly because of the lights, the decorations, the parties, and the presents that we exchange.
But those things can also distract us from the true meaning of Christmas. On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Embracing the Reality of Christmas,” we’ll hear from author Al Andrews as he shares a dramatic reading called “A Walk One Winter Night.”
It’s about a Christian man who feels Christmas has become just another holiday, more of a burden than a blessing.
Are you a fan of the predictably poignant but proudly and admittedly syrupy and sappy Hallmark Christmas movies?
The Hallmark Hall of Fame franchise, which dates back to 1951, is the longest running prime time series in television history. Although the specials have evolved over the years, the concept of using feel-good entertainment to market a company’s products has to go down as one of the most brilliant moves in the history of retail sales promotion.
Alexandra Kuykendall knew she had to do Christmas differently.
Her job required a significant amount of her time, and her children and husband wanted a good chunk of the rest. Add to that visitors who were staying in her home and the usual accoutrements of Christmas – food, gifts, decorations, etc. – and she was overwhelmed.
After the holidays, even a non-committal, “Fine,” felt like a lie when friends and co-workers asked her, “How was your Christmas?”
She encountered something all of us go through at one time or another at Christmas.
Jim Daly is a husband, father and President of Focus on the Family and host of its National Radio Hall of Fame broadcast. His blog, Daly Focus, is full of timely commentary and wisdom designed to help you navigate and understand today’s culture. His latest book is Marriage Done Right.
