Christmas is finally upon us - with lights, trees, presents and cheer! But sometimes it can feel like we have missed the point. The stress of cooking, buying presents for our dentist, son's school teacher and second cousin, cleaning the house and making buying appropriate gifts - it's ALOT. 

Whether Christmas is an exciting time for you, or if you aren't feeling it this year, we've got some recommendations on how to connect with the TRUE meaning of Christmas this year. 

1. Get into caroling

Nothing helps you get into the Christmas Spirit more than singing carols! Look out for a carols service near you or why not start a caroling group yourself? When you are singing "Once in Royal David's city" you'll be instantly brought back to the magic and whimsy of the very first Christmas! 

2. Invest in your Community 

That reminds us! There are so many events all around Sydney where people are coming together to celebrate. Why not look up "Ginger Bread near me" or "Wreath making near me" - you can make a new friend and start to celebrate Christmas. 

3. Create an advent tradition 

Our favourite advent tradition is to reread our favourite advent promises - but it could be anything! What will help you get into the Christmas Spirit today? 

4. Read about the first Christmas 

You can do that right now! 

Start reading Luke 2: 

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a]Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them

Keep reading here...

5. Find a Christmas service near you 

There are so many opportunities to celebrate on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Go to christmasnearyou.com.au and see what you find!