It's easy to get caught up in all the busyness, and the rush to buy presents, and forget what Christmas is all about.
If you're not careful you can then get to the big day itself and wonder if all the effort was all worth it!
At the first Christmas, in Bethlehem, there were no high street sales or TV extravanganzas to mark the occasion. Just a small gathering of shepherds who went and saw the new-born King, and told others about it. What was important, were the people who came and became part of the wonderful event.
We are going through tough economic times in Yorkshire. Many are struggling to put food on the table, let alone give expensive gifts to friends and family. At times, it can feel that whatever we have to offer isn't enough - but actually, the most precious thing we have to offer is ourselves.
When you look around Yorkshire, we have so many things to be proud of and be grateful for. For example, we have the Dales and the Moors, such incredible natural beauty that other parts of the UK can only dream of.
We have historic sites like the Minster and the ancient City walls in York. But greater than all these things put together, we have each other. Yorkshire folk are famous for their generosity and for their straight-talking.
Let us not get caught up in the fuss and frills of Christmas and forget that what we need to have is a heart of service towards those around us - both in our families and in wider society.
John Sentamu, Archbishop of York
A Christmas Message from Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York
