Can you identify with this picture?
I must confess there have been some years at Thanksgiving and Christmas when I’ve felt like this. Some years I’ve felt as though I hardly had time to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee, much less time to watch “It’s A Wonderful Life!” But it IS a wonderful life, especially during this time of year when we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Well, this year I’m going to try something different. I’m going to poll the members of my family and ask them this question: “What three things are the most important aspects of Thanksgiving and Christmas that just have to be there for you in order for it to feel like Christmas?” For me, that means asking the two youngest children still at home who are 13 and 14, my mother who lives with me, and my husband. I, too, plan to examine this question.
I don’t know about you, but I can feel so out of control during the holidays that I lose focus of what is really important. It’s so easy to get sidetracked on non-essentials. For instance, nobody makes me send out Christmas cards, decorate the house like it’s an entry for House Beautiful, or bake as if I was opening a restaurant.
For me, much of my stress level rises because I do it to myself. I know that time pressures elevate my blood pressure and December 25 is certainly a biggie. While I enjoy many of the things that come with Christmas, I want to use good judgment and make my efforts count. I know about being a good steward with my money, but my time is valuable, too. I want to use it wisely and for moments that really matter to my family.
Well, here is my chance to break the crazy cycle of the holidays–to find ways to slow down and cherish these special moments with my family.
So, this year I’m going to try a different approach. And while I haven’t asked my family members the “big question” yet, I suspect there will be a few things we all will share several things in common. Those will be the things I will focus on the most.
Will you join me?
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