It’s December 1st. The day the Christmas Season begins for me — has always begun for my family.

When I was a child, my parents would put on the Ray Conniff Christmas Album, playing Jingle Bells at full volume to wake us with the message of “Happy December 1st.” This tradition has continued all my life, with my brother calling me as early as 5:30am to play this cheerful tune and wish me good tidings.

This year, my sister-in-law Marcy wins the prize, sending a YouTube version via email at 12:01am.

If I’m honest, in recent years this “most wonderful time of year” has stressed me out, spiking my anxiety and disrupting my sleep. Decorating is fun but leaves my space feeling cluttered. Purchasing the perfect, thoughtful gift means rushing around town in traffic or spending hours “plugged in” and scrolling websites. Baking means I need to workout a little bit more — and find the time to do that.

Last year to combat the Anxiety, I added a day that included ice skating to my schedule. Just 45 minutes on the ice (check out that blog!), with only the sound of my skates cutting the surface, did wonders for my mood. I had the rink to myself. It was lovely and peaceful. But this year, a full-time job (which I truly love) removes my free day from the equation.

So here it is again. And once again, I have a list … I make one and check items off as they are accomplished every year. Lots of things to do. I can feel the Anxiety dancing around me like a haze. But along the way to December 25, I don’t want to lose sight of the glorious truth of the season … a season of miracles, music, sparkly tinsel and lights, and the love of a Father sending his son to earth in a very simple way.

Yesterday, during my morning reflections and Bible study, I ran across a verse I don’t recall impacting me as it did when I read it against the morning darkness, with only my early riser cat for company.

“Offer to God thanksgiving and pay your vows to the Most High. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify Me”. Psalms 50  vs 14-15

This stuck with me. I wanted to write at that moment. But other responsibilities were calling. So, here it is December 1st, I’ve awakened the family with “Jingle Bells,” and Lindsey Sterling’s new Christmas Album “Warmer in the Winter” is playing on my Rose Gold Blue Tooth speaker.

What stuck with me with that verse? The message of what God wants from us … Thanksgiving. He wants us to be thankful for not only our access to him and all he offers but to each and every thing that graces our lives. To Celebrate the Simple Gifts and the Fancy ones. To honor his role in our lives with gratitude.

Remember the Three Wise Men from the Nativity story? They brought Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh to the Baby Jesus and his family. What if we did that every day? I’m not talking about gold or essential oils. I’m talking about offering up gifts of gratitude.

Thus inspired, I decided that I would model those Three Wise Men. I pulled out one of my Nothing Books, aka an empty journal, and listed Three Things that I’m grateful for. It’s amazing what beginning your day in the darkness with the light of gratitude can do for your spirit, your mood and your heart. I lit a candle — a three-wick candle — and celebrated my gratitude for three things to begin my morning and set me on the right path for my day.

Why don’t you join me this December? I invite you to write down Three Things every day that you are grateful for. If you get caught up in the “Greatest Time of Year” drama, anxiety, stress or blues, glance at that growing list … remember to be thankful for what the Lord brings into your life, not angry about the drama that he doesn’t make go away. Remember that he doesn’t leave us to walk alone through anything … the light or the darkness, the hills or the valleys. Remember that he sends us Shepherds to help us find our way, other sheep to hang out with, and a Star to shine light on us every day.

We Three Things … what are they for you today? I’ve made my list this morning and the sky is still very dark. But I see Light.

What about you?

                                                                                                       — Jenni

P.S. If you’d like me to add you to the Ray Conniff “Jingle Bells” wake up on December 1st, let me know 🙂