I suspect countless readers feel exactly like you do; the holiday season has become so busy and so commercialized that we hardly have time to stop and think about its true meaning.

But it shouldn’t be this way, nor does it need to be. You can still take steps to make this Christmas a less stressful and more spiritual time. Let me suggest three words that might help you. First, simplify. Make a list of all the things you have to do between now and Christmas, then cut out everything you possibly can. Not everything is important or necessary; do what you can to simplify your life.

Then plan. Many of us frantically jump from one thing to another around Christmas, simply because we haven’t planned ahead. But even a little planning can add hours to your day. And don’t feel you have to carry the whole load; get your family to help with projects.

Most of all, focus; that is, deliberately take time every day to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Read together from the Bible’s account of Jesus’ birth, and thank God for sending His Son into the world for our salvation. Especially help your children discover the wonder of God’s love for us. The Bible says, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1).