Spread the Christmas Joy with Christy Barritt and Giveaway | Day 23

Joy from Christy Barritt

One of my favorite parts about Christmas has come in recent years. This wonderful memory is experiencing Christmas through the eyes of my children.

I was singing along with the radio the other day, and my oldest said, “What are you singing?” I said, “A Christmas song.” He said, “This isn’t a Christmas song. There’s no mention of Jesus. Isn’t Jesus what Christmas is all about? Not jingling bells.”

I love seeing my kids get it.

I love seeing my kids understand that Christmas isn’t all about presents and getting things.

I love it when my kids get excited about picking out presents for our Angel Tree child.

I love it when I see my children’s sweet expressions as they sing about Jesus during the church’s Christmas play.

That’s not to say they can’t enjoy other traditions of the season. I love seeing their faces light up in excitement when they see Christmas lights. I love hearing them singing along to their favorite Christmas songs. I love when they get a present they’ve really been wishing for.

Trying to instill a selfless attitude in our children is difficult in a “me centered” society that wants to make Christmas about materialism. Seeing those moments when my kids “get” what Christmas is all about is amazing. This world and all that’s in it will pass away, but God’s word and truth remains forever.

I want my children’s memories of Christmas to not simply revolve around themselves. I want them to think of a little baby born in a manger. I want them to think about people who need some Christmas cheer. I want them to help make the Christmas memories of other people a little warmer.

Those are the best memories of all, and one of the best gifts I can give them.

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Christy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She's married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she's hilarious--but only when she's not trying to be. Christy's a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who's known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She's only won one contest in her life--and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay... actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery for her book Suspicious Minds also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush.

When she's not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
For more information, visit her website at: www.christybarritt.com.
Purchase High-Stakes Holiday Reunion [here]

**Note from Emilie: I'll be putting my review of this book (High-Stakes Holiday Reunion) up soon but just an FYI - you'll definitely want to read it! It's fantastic ;)

I've got another fun gift bag to giveaway. No peeking on this one either but trust me, you'll love it! 

**Giveaway rules: To enter, comment on each the post (or posts) in the month of December that offer giveaway items you wish to win. One entry per person per giveaway item is permitted. All winners will be drawn in January (after the holiday craziness) and will be notified shortly thereafter.