It's that time of the year when everyone's hurrying and scurrying about...trying to finish up this or get started on that. The lists seem to grow and the project piles mount with each day. We're especially busy with basketball right now, so as I find myself sitting on bleachers and traveling to games I am continually jotting down things that need to get done. Last night, I read on
Beth's blog that she's purposing to "
doing something Christmas every day!" I really liked that. In additon to that, my girlfriend
Kristyn, who knew I had an extremely busy week, sent me a note to " do something special for myself this week" . (I asked her if going to the bathroom with the door shut and no one coming in and interrupting counted! ) But in all sincerity, I think Beth and Kristyn are right!
I need to be purposeful during this season to take care of myself and my family and choose wisely those things that will enhance our celebration. It doesn't have to be big stuff. Years from now, they won't remember if I baked 6 dozen cookies or 10 dozen, but they will remember sitting in the living room and reading together by the light of the Christmas lights. They'll remember that we took time as a family to share our
Advent readings each night. The phone calls and emails will be forgotten next month, but the time spent wrapping and talking while listening to the holiday music will stay with all of us. My to do lists are important but they're not more important than creating special times to truly celebrate this season. So...what are you doing to keep the season special at your house?
Have a wonderful weekend...the girls are performing in a play today and we've got a holiday basketball tournament this weekend so I'll be back sometime next week! enjoy.... stay jolly!
18 comments:
We are SO doing December like this this year! We've purposed an activity for each day. Now that they're on the calendar and set in stone, we won't miss one single important activity! Sounds like you took good care of yourself this week! And Congratulations JS!!
So true!! We are trying to do the same here. I was just invited to a cookie exchange and would need to make 13 dozen cookies. I knew this would not be the best thing for us right now and no matter how much I wanted to do it I said no, thank you. It would have made things to stressful and tight here at home.
Ruth
I am struggling with this myself but what has helped it to make it a goal to do one special activity each day. For example today we are making snowflakes.
You are focused on all the right things. Kudos to you. Good luck to the kids with basketball and all the fun-filled activities going on this season. Enjoy it all.
Starting last year I have a goal of having all the Christmas gifts that will be purchased by Thanksgiving and save December for the handmade gifts. I love the cozy time of being at home and working on special projects.
what a great way to enjoy the season! It shouldn't be made up of stressed days trying to get everything done. Enjoying the Christmas spirit each and everyday is what it is all about! Enjoy the weekend, sounds like it's going to be a fun one!
Oooo...so loving the holiday glow here, Lisa! And I like your ideas here. I am trying to find small ways to take care of me during these very, very busy days. Some days more successful than others...LOL! Today after a busy but fun weekend with family visits, I took some time out to just sit with some tea and knitting...bliss! Thank you for this lovely reminder... Happy Days, my friend :o) ((HUGS))
Lisa, your Christmasy pictures are making me feel warm and cozy. Your gingerbread garland looks like something out of a Country Living magazine. I love your sweet little reminder about taking care of ourselves and feeling less stress. You are a sweetheart.
Everything is so holiday-like! Warm and cozy and full of joy!
Great post! We haven't set up the tree yet, we will later this week with a live tree. We are doing advent, practising for the Christmas play and talking about Jesus gift to us.
Excellent idea. It's so easy to get caught up in the wrong kind of things at this time of year. We are busy with the usual Christmasy things, but also have some traditions to follow. Such as daily scripture reading, the kids acting out the Christmas story for us, the giving of three gifts to the kids (if three gifts was good enough for the Christ child, then it should be good enough for them). Secret Santa giving to friends. Mystery delivering of goodies to friends, just to let them know they're special (the kids love the sneaking to the front door and dropping off goodies without being seen).
However, today, after a crazy few weeks, I'm taking time to exercise, sit and relax and knit a little bit, then... I'm going to make some jam tarts and batches of cinnamon rolls to deliver.
Have a wonderful week!
First of all...going to the bathroom by yourself with the door shut and no interuptions is DEFINITELY special...that is still a dream for me!! WE are getting excited to make more ornaments, gather wreath materials, and deck the halls!! And of course...we've been making a lot of cards. Check out our Week of Christmas Cards: www.ahandmadechildhood.blogspot.com
Lisa, gorgeous tree - i love your cranberry garland! we're trying to take it slow and enjoy the holiday around here too. currently I have no choice because i'm battling an awful cold - but it didn't stop us from having a great weekend. I couldn't agree with you more on the joy in decorating while dancing to holiday music - so much more memorable than most gifts. hope you had the chance to do that something special for yourself - and i don't remember the last time i went to the bathroom with the door shut - even when the kids are in school, greg will come home from night shift and walk right in! Hope the play went off with out a hitch and the basketball tournament went your way. I'm off to pour myself yet another cup of tea (and get a tissue) before I put away the rest of the groceries- i already did all the perishables. Can't wait to hear all about your weekend!
What a lovely post and yes you are right it really is the time and not the stuff we remember ,have a great Christmas .
a fabulous way to enjoy every precious moment during the holiday season.
i feel so much less rushed this year. and i am going to try very hard to let that feeling continue! :)
I wanted to stop by and let you know that I am hosting a giveaway on my blog. I hope you can stop by and enter.
Ruth
What a timely reminder to slow down and focus. Thank you!
That is hilarious about going to the bathroom. I always say I love my bathroom breaks because that is the only time all day I get to be alone (and that is not even always the case...what is it about kids wanting to ask Mommy a question when she is going potty??)
Anyway, we are keeping things simple this year. I love to give, so it is hard to refrain from going nuts, but quite frankly we don't have the funds this year. So simple and handmade and things that people can actually use. We are giving handmade ornaments, handmade soap, and bread to most folks this year!
Enjoy and please do something for yourself every day this month!
Suzy
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