As much as I love the holidays, there are a few things that threaten to take away its magnetism. Yesterday as I fought the urge of frustration with traffic, I thought of what I would do if I was in charge of the month of December.

1. For the week between Christmas and New Years, all business must close to allow family time … nothing else.
2. Snow must blanket the ground. Not too much, not too little, but with a heavy heaping at the ski resorts.
3. Christmas music must play on all radio stations.
4. All school band concerts must occur before December 5^th.
5. All creditors must give a grace period for the month.
6. All extended family members must repeat, “You come over whenever it works for you.”
7. The focus must be on being together and celebrating the birth of a Savior, not on fancy new things.
8. The real Christmas Story is required reading for every household.
9. All illnesses are eradicated.
10. And as the reformed Grinch said, “There will be no sad faces at Christmas.”

I asked my daughter last night what she’d do if she was in charge of the month of December. Here were her mandates:

1. Everyone has to go to the animal shelter and donate food, play with the animals, and keep them warm.
2. Presents are opened early (by December 23^rd).
3. It is required to have snow at every house, but not over 5 feet.
4. It must be called what it is: a CHRISTMAS Tree, not a “Holiday Tree.”
5. Stores must change their prices so little kids can buy more things with their own money.
6. Santa is banished. God gives presents.

But, we aren’t in charge. So I will play my Christmas music from a CD, I will spend as much time with my family as possible, I will accept the amount of snow the ski resorts have, I will pray for my friends burdened with illness and look for ways to encourage those discouraged. Above everything else, I will remember the reason for this season and give thanks for the greatest gift of all — Jesus Christ.