Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today is a gift.
As I’ve sifted through my obligations and traditions lately, it’s helped me to prioritize, causing me to live for TODAY I’ve decided to not let change or turbulent times take away from my living out my passions during this holiday season. Don’t we all have opportunities right in front of us? And don’t we all get hugely side-tracked during the season? I don’t want to lose my focus or my joy. I want to evaluate my decisions. I want to think ahead and determine if what I’m considering doing is really necessary. Because with family, you can’t just go “cold-turkey” and stop all traditions! So with that determined, the planning has begun …
• I’ve already started buying and stocking up on baking products, and making some baking goals within reason.
• I’ve gone through my holiday wrapping paper, tissue paper, bows and my gift closet to pull out and organize gifts I’ve purchased on “clearance” throughout the year.
• I’ve made my list of who I want to take gifts to, scaling WAY back on purchases and giving more “homemade” gifts.
• We’ve already talked with our kids, explaining to them why we are cutting back on gift-giving, and focusing more on relationships. (It’s not about the money we spend on each other one day out of the year. What’s more important is the relationship we forge throughout the whole year! They totally get it.)
• Instead of going overboard on stocking stuffers, I’m writing down a few practical things that I want to include, and sticking to that list.
• We trimmed our tree last week, and even though it’s a fake tree (purchased at a garage sale 4 years ago – and it’s beautiful!), we pointed out to the kids the money we’ve saved over the years. (I know, I know – the dilemma of fresh vs. fake …)
• We’re using what we have for decorations, limiting our time of decorating the house to a minimum. (Is it really worth it to spend hours upon end in decorating, possibly just trying to impress others?)
And then, what really counts …
• I will plan out a few events or dinners that I want to have in my home, but will not over-extend myself and make my family miserable!
• I will be flexible and learn to “go with the flow” if plans change.
• As my family is growing, I will include them in decision making, not taking away from what the holiday season is really about. I will enjoy my kids!
• I want to actually enjoy writing out my Christmas cards and thinking about who I’ll be addressing them to.
• I will be thankful for another Christmas to spend with my husband and 3 children, and family and friends.
• I will remember why I ever let all of this craziness enter my life – and instead keep my focus on Christ.
• I will not lose my JOY.
I will not get worked up – because TODAY is the day that counts.
Do you lose your joy over the holidays or have you found a healthy balance?
Come back tomorrow for ANOTHER HIP HOSTESS APRON GIVEAWAY! Can you believe Debbie is giving away another beautiful Merry Mixer apron? And the winner to the $50 VISA is Julia. Congrats Julia! (already emailed, no blog listed.)
(Partial reposting from last year. Photos from last year. My, have my kids ever changed this last year! New 2009 family pictures coming soon …)
May God hold you gently in the palms of his hands
מי ייתן ואלוהים יישא אותך ברכות בכפות ידיו
Thank you for this post. It touched my heart
Elise
[Reply]
I love Christmas time and I am usually so joyful. My pregnancy has been alittle challenging, so reading this post is definitely helping me put everything into perspective. Thank you!
[Reply]
You made me cry…I totally agree. We should all be thankful for what we have for there is always someone less fortunate. Time with family is so precious and it is never too early to help our children to understand this. BTW the photos are wonderful!
[Reply]
Joy is the theme around here and one I love to cling to!! Got the apron in the mail over the weekend. I’ll have to figure out when and where to model it and then post about it! Thank you…
[Reply]
Oh for us all to have such joy! Great post and something I needed to be reminded of today.
Have a beautiful week!
Jen
[Reply]
love, love, love the pictures. thanks for the reminder. needed the encouragement. i’m totally adopted the idea of praying for each person as i address their card or wrap their gift. love that!!
[Reply]
I have finally found a very healthy and joyful balance!! Praise God!
Last year? Not so much.
[Reply]
BEAUTIFUL!!!
[Reply]
Thank you so much for this post. I’m embracing every moment with my children too.
[Reply]
Thanks a bundle for the practical thoughts!
This year our family had decided NO GIFTS…only for the little ones!
As much JOY as gift giving is…I’ll have to admit…it’s been oh so nice not to have to worry about shopping and just trying to find something for someone!
XXOOXX
[Reply]
It is so ironic that you blogged on this today. My 6yo and I were enjoying lunch together today and we were both looking forward to some one on one time with each other for the rest of the afternoon. I asked her what she wanted to do and she replied, “Eat my hamburger.” Oh to have the pure and simple logic of a child.
Thanks for your wonderful blog and have a Merry Christmas!
[Reply]
I enjoyed reading about how you are keeping your joy this season. My hubby and I are seeking to do the very same thing. This year especially, we are tyring to reach out to those who are childless, widowed, etc. Holidays can be such a tough time of year for those who have lost someone. It makes me happy inside to know that we can be of service to someone else.
God bless,
Elizabeth
[Reply]
In the past I have been a bit of a bah-humbugger, but not this year. I have implemented many of the same things you write about and so far the season has been delightful! I am including my children (and working on my patience), and letting them create the joy in the house.
[Reply]
Sandy, I’m a little behind reading your posts but I’m so glad to find this one. Here it is Dec. 16 and I still have so many things to do. Also, the urge to buy more has hit me…more gifts I mean. We have also vowed to cut back on spending this year so your post is a great reminder for me. Thanks and Merry Christmas!
[Reply]
Wonderful post, Sandy! We have the same snowflake napkin rings.
Mine were from a dear friend! Kelly
[Reply]
Sandy,
I loved your post
This is my last year to have all my kids still be kids.
My oldest goes off to OIT Jan. 3rd, it’s so hard to know things will never be the same…but exciting at the same time. Everything feels special because we’re going to miss Dylan so much.
The fun thing I planned for my family this year was……..We are playing a game with another family. We have each drawn a number to corrispond with the twelve days of christmas, with one person left over (my daughter) she drew the blank paper, so it’s her job to make an album of our game and judge the most creative.
So each person has to change the words to the song for their day…although the new words must still work for the song, because we sing our new version each time we see each other.
There must be some activity to go along with the new words.
It has been a really fun thing and we all anticipate what the next day will bring.
Making memories!!!
Carla
[Reply]