One of my favorite things about Christmas is the music. Sure, I enjoy all of the warm, yummy foods that are around this time of year (especially the desserts!). My eyes always tear up a little bit at the annual church Christmas pageant when the little kids act out the Christmas story. I've already bought some Christmas presents for my family and friends, and I can't wait to bake cookies with my sister on Christmas Eve.

But for me, it's not really Christmastime until I hear the music I love. Christmas hymns and carols and spirituals always move my heart. They remind me what Christmas is truly about and make me feel connected to other Christians. These songs give me a sense of peace and joy that would last even if I didn't receive any gifts. Right now, I've got a stack of Christmas CDs I can't wait to listen to.

I am waiting, though. It's not that I think I shouldn't listen to my music before Thanksgiving, or that I'll be tired of Christmas music before Christmas comes. No, I just don't want to let the meaning of Thanksgiving Day pass right by me!

Sometimes I think I treat Thanksgiving Day like the kickoff to the "holiday season." Like the day before the biggest shopping day of the year. The day that reminds me of how much work I need to complete and how many gifts I need to buy before Christmas. The last calm day before the hustle and bustle begins.

When I'm looking ahead, I miss out on a chance to look back and think about all of the things I'm thankful for — like a loving family and supportive friends. I'm thankful that I have everything I need and so many of the things I want. I'm thankful for all of the ways I've grown this year and for all of the large and small ways I can see God working in my life.

This year, I'm going to try harder to focus on giving thanks. The writer of Psalm 69:30 said, "I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving." I want to do that, too. I'm going to take some time before I get caught up in all of the preparation for Christmas to thank God for who he is — and for his goodness to me. Even after Thanksgiving is over, I'll try to have a grateful attitude. This way, when I (finally!) listen to the songs that remind me about Jesus coming to earth, they'll be even more meaningful because I'll hear them with a thankful heart.

Learning to listen,
LaTonya

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