Hey Dad, Wake up! It's Christmas!!

By this time, unless you are the ultimate last-minute shopper, you should be done with most of the hassles of holiday shopping. You are tired, your wallet is now malnourished, you have made yourself sick several times from overeating all the sweets people have cooked for you and your family, and you are already thinking about the deadlines and work obligations for January. Because dads are prone to mentally skip over this holiday season, I would like to give four quick ways of how to slow down and truly enjoy this Christmas with your family.

1. Don't be a Scrooge! Christmas is the time of celebration for the Savior that was born unto this world. Even though Christmas has become so material, you have the blessed opportunity to teach your child the true meaning of Christmas. On the morning of Christmas I always read the story of Christ's birth from Luke 2:1-20.

2. Be a Christmas Helper. Don't leave all the gift wrapping in the hands of your wife. I am one of the worst gift wrappers of all time, but I still wrap. I dream of one day purchasing Christmas patterned duct-tape that I could tape around the gift! As ugly as your wrapping skills may be, your wife will welcome the help and your child will appreciate the fact of you caring enough to wrap his gift.

3. Be a Giver and not just a Spender. Having a Christmas spirit means more than forking out money to your wife. Because this time of the year reminds me of the gift God gave me (a perfect Sacrifice), I'm inspired to also be a giver of good things to my family and to others. Put some thought in your gift purchases.

4. Let your Family schedule your planner. Don't fill your holiday time off with errands, chores, or opportunities to catch up on work obligations. Give your calendar this weekend to your family and ask them of fill it in. You will be amazed at the simple things they want to do with you (all of which will revolve around precious time with dad).

Let these quick Christmas tips be a blessing to you and your family this season.

From the Daddy Disciple: Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!