As Sandy reviews her Christmas to-do list, she feels the stress building. Christmas is rapidly approaching and she still has many gifts to buy. Sandy also has big plans for baking and decorating, but she has yet to choose the perfect recipes or shop for new ribbon and ornaments. Then there’s the school choir concert, the church Christmas play, four parties and a promise to spend one evening visiting a holiday lights display.As she pulls out of her driveway to head to the shopping center, she waves at her neighbor, Jan, who recently lost her husband, Ray. Sandy recalls how much Ray loved Christmas. Sandy wonders if Jan has someone to help her decorate, which leads to thoughts of where Jan will spend Christmas.

If only Sandy didn’t have so much to do, maybe she could invite Jan over for coffee and a visit. But she has to stay focused. Everyone is counting on her to make this the best Christmas ever.

Sound familiar? And it isn’t limited to Christmas in many cases.

Check out the Dec. 8 issue of The Alabama Baptist for a four-page package on learning to live simply.