IHandler.ashxt’s hard to believe that we’re nearing the end of the year, isn’t it? We’re already nearly midway through the last month of 2014. Before you know it, 2014 will be a thing of the past and we’ll be at the beginning of a new journey called 2015.

We will spend the first few days, even weeks of 2015 making New Year’s resolutions and goals for the upcoming year. But how we end 2014 is equally, if not more important. Over the course of the next couple weeks we’ll spend time rushing to the next house, the best sale, to find that greatest gift for our friends and loved ones. We’ll probably spend more money than we have in our bank accounts and over extend our calendar’s capacity along with our waistline because of the yummy foods of the Christmas season.

How do you plan on ending 2014? What final things can you do in the next few weeks that will bring 2014 to a blessed end? Here are a few ideas:

1. Pray. It may sound a little simple, but prayer is something that can help you refocus your efforts for these last few weeks. Praying to God for comfort, peace, joy, and rest this holiday season will undoubtedly allow you to see the joy in each moment you have before you.

2. Play. Now this one is just plain fun! As you get ready to end 2014, make sure you take a little time to rest and have some fun. Find a time and place to play a little. Maybe you’ll play in the snow. Maybe you’d rather play in the sand. Maybe you’re going to play on vacation. Perhaps you can rest from a year’s worth of work by playing with your kids over their Christmas break. No matter how, just take some time to unwind by playing before your time is gone!

3. Give. End of the year is a time to get your finances in order. While you’re in that giving spirit, perhaps you can give a gift to your favorite charity. It doesn’t really matter what organization, giving takes the focus off of you and puts it on someone else. Giving a year-end gift to your or another charity will allow them to help countless other people into 2015 and beyond.

This Christmas just remember there’s always time to pray, play, and give. End the year strong by taking some time for yourself, the ones you love, and supporting those who make a difference in your community.