I often find Christmas time exhausting. Present buying, decorating, baking, and readying the house for guests stress my already full schedule. However, years ago, my parents taught me the holidays don't have to be hectic but rather times of simple joy.

When my brother, Jim, and I were young teens, our house often didn't get decorated because of our family's involvement in church activities. Mom and Dad prepared a huge dinner for the homeless. Jim and I helped serve. Seeing the smiles made me thankful that I'd had a chance to help others in such a meaningful way.

Since Mom was in charge of the annual concert for kids and adults and Dad was a preacher, we spent many late nights at church practicing and creating props. 

On Christmas Eve, we begged to open presents. Mom said she hadn't had time to wrap them yet (as I think on this — I can't believe she had time to buy any). We said we didn't care so she brought them down still in their shopping bags. We laughed and talked as we opened the bags.

Dad said that we were going out for dinner the next day since he didn't want Mom to wear out completely. While we normally enjoyed a traditional dinner with all the trimmings, they set the example that year that being together took precedence.  

Christmas morning was unseasonably warm. I wore my present — a new frilly white blouse. As we ate at a restaurant, I remember appreciating that everyone was so relaxed and that, Mom actually got to enjoy a meal she didn't have to prepare.

Now when I stress about my holiday schedule, I remember my parent's take on the season. While we enjoy many family traditions, I take a long look at my calendar deleting events that don't add to our closeness. I share with my children what my parents instilled. The greatest gift of all is the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes — not expensive paper from the department store.