AJ On ... 

‘I’m fed up!’
‘What’s up with you then?’
‘Didn’t you listen the first time cloth ears? I SAID I WAS FED UP!’
‘Oh you’re in a festive mood aren’t you?’
‘Well ... I AM fed up!’ It’s always the same every flippin’ year.’
‘What’s wrong then?’
‘It’s Christmas!’
‘It’s a wonderful time!’
‘NO IT ISN’T!’
‘Well I’m sorry you feel that way. Can I help in any way?’
‘NO! No one can! <calming down a little> Well ... yes ... OK ... seeing as you’re offering. You asked for it! Oh boy, you wish you hadn’t in a minute!’
‘OK, calmly tell me what’s the matter.’
‘Everything’s the matter! I’ve got a long list of jobs to do before the big day. I keep trying to forget that I promised I would pick up Great Aunt Bertha then Uncle Jim on Christmas morning! That reminds me I must remember to make sure he’s got his teeth in! I’ve been SO busy at work. I’ve managed to do a lot of overtime to help pay for all the presents. I haven’t even thought about those yet for the family. I made a list but I haven’t a clue what I’ve done with it. The roads are SO busy. The shops are SO busy. There are SO many people out there shopping and they are ALL getting in my way! And I’m just FED UP of it all!’
‘Make us a coffee and let’s see what we can do together. Whilst you wait for the kettle to boil, check your coat pocket or the passenger seat of your car for a list.’
‘Hey, guess what! It was in my coat pocket all the time!’
‘Good, you’ve brought the biscuit barrel! Now let’s just sit for a few minutes and enjoy our coffee together.’
‘OK and thanks. You’re a good mate ... oh, and sorry for “having a go at you.”’
That’s OK. A lot of people find Christmas time daunting. I figure it is all to do with expectation. There is an expectation that Christmas just has to be perfect ... perfect presents, perfect meal, perfect company. Sadly, for many it will just be another day.’
‘You seem to let all this rushing around not get on top of you. What’s your secret?’
‘Oh, there is no secret really. I still find the shops busy but I try to plan ahead. I ask family for suggestions for presents rather trying to second guess. I do tend to get pairs of socks a lot and that’s OK too! But for me, Christmas is special. It is a time to remember I have received the greatest gift I could ever wish for.'
‘And what’s that?’
‘It is a gift too wonderful for words. It is a celebration of a perfect gift. It is a gift no money could ever buy. It is a gift God paid the biggest price anyone could ever pay. It is a gift for everyone, anytime, anywhere. Don’t worry you can get through anything for a day but you could have a gift that will last your lifetime ... and beyond ... for ever! God gave His only Son for Christmas. Wow! What a present!’