Christmas time has come, and of course along with it comes the stress associated with the holiday rush. Are you ready for the rush this season?

Most of the time, people can miss the beauty of Christmas because of the work and preparations done before the big day comes. Many fail to see that it's simply about God sending His one and only begotten Son, Jesus, in the fullness of time. Because of this, the simple yet glorious remembrance has been blurred by everything that's not important.

To help us avoid Christmas-related stress and thus focus on the most important thing of all, here are a few tips or suggestions that won't only help ease the pain and stress, it will also help lighten the blow on the budget.

1) Make it simple

The Lord Jesus' very own coming over two thousand years ago was a very humble and yet glorious moment. Think of how humble it was, according to Luke 2:6-20:

• His earthly parents had no room for themselves in an inn (v. 7)
• He was laid in a manger (v. 7)
• His guests were mere shepherds (v. 15-16)
• There was no table bedecked with delicious food 

Our Lord and Saviour, the God who created all of creation, came to earth in a humble manner. This should at least help us see that we can make it simple too.

We don't need to shell out for hotel stays, eat at fancy restaurants or have extravagant feasts, and we don't need to please people. We simply need to thank God and love one another with His love.

2) Shop ahead of time

Next, if ever you need to purchase gifts or food items, choose to do it while it's still early. Not only can you avoid the influx of last-minute shoppers, you have plenty of time to think carefully about what your loved ones actually want.

If you shop early, you just might find the most affordable items still in stock. Buying late might leave you with fewer options and make you 'panic buy' instead of buying out of love and care.

3) Focus on what matters most

Lastly, just focus on what matters most. Many of us love to add totally unnecessary details just to "make it look or feel better." And when we do, we normally feel more stress with it.

If you've already purchased what you need, just stick to the plan. Don't make any last-minute change of menus or gift ideas. Doing so will make you spend more time shopping and preparing, not to mention spending more money.

Avoid comparing your Christmas preparations with family, friends, neighbors, and the people you see on TV. Choose to focus on what matters most.

Think about it: if we focus on the totally unimportant things, we will forget that Christmas is a time to thank God for His goodness to us.

4) Spend time with God

Carol services - particularly the candlelit ones - offer moments of profound peace and rest for the soul in amongst the busyness of the season.  But you don't have to go to a church to experience God. You can experience Him right in your home.  Why not have some Advent themed Bible time with your spouse and children?  Or make a Christmas prayer wall with your kids inviting them to write down all of their prayers for their friends, family and the world this Christmas.  Or have some family reading time on the Nativity story or other beautiful Christmas stories each night before bed time.  Sometimes it's possible to find rest even in the doing.