Preparing Your Heart for Christmas Eve
What can I give him?
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb
If I were a Wise Man
I would do my part –
Yet what I can give him,
Give him my heart.
-Christina Rossetti
Happy Christmas Eve, friends!
If you’re like me, you’re preparing your home for guests, or cooking food to contribute if you’re heading to another house to celebrate, or you’re welcoming others as they stop by with holiday cheer!
Keeping these things in mind, as I’m setting the table, the next 2 days of celebration is not about perfection, but about preparing my heart:
Put aside the overwhelming feeling and ask my family for help!
Think about what I can offer my guests – a hug, a smile, a word of encouragement.
Do my part of being prepared, helping, serving – with JOY in my heart.
Lay aside any bitterness and prepare my heart for LOVE.
I love to set the table.
Add a little touch.
Think about those who will be joining our family.
Say a meaningful prayer for those who may not be as fortunate.
Remind myself that things do not have to be perfect.
To enjoy the moment because we may never have that moment again.
And on Christmas Eve I remind myself to stop, to take a deep breath, and look UP–with HOPE and ANTICIPATION–for the gift to come.
Will you be hosting in your home the next couple of days? Is your table or buffet area already set?
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
Hi Sandy!
A very Merry Christmas to you and yours!!
My husband’s family is here for this Christmas week…I am reminding myself to focus on the people not the food or presentation or all of the other things that I enjoy but can sometimes get in the way. So we will use some paper plates and Christmas paper napkins to help keep the dishes under control. For Christmas dinner we will use the china for our sit down ham and fixings dinner. Thank you for all the inspiration you give all year long to focus on the people and relationships. Merry Christmas.
We are celebrating after our Candle-liight Service at church then have a couple of families that are like us (without extended family in the area) over for a simple dinner. It will be simple and served very casually, buffet style off our kitchen island. You are an inspiration and I so hope your Christmas is full of blessings and joy! Thank you for encouraging us all to be the hands and feet of Christ!
Have a very Merry Christmas Sandy!
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Thank You and Merry Christmas to you too Sandy!
Yes, we are hosting Christmas in our home again this year and again I am excited to welcome family and friends. The tables and buffet are set, napkins just about to be ironed.
I will be taking our prime rib roast out of the fridge (where it has been waiting patiently for us for a few days, wrapped and peppered) to rest prior to cooking.
thank you for always putting our days in perspective. Blessings to you and your family this and every day.
That last line says it all!
We are surrounded by family this year, and I’m so excited to be spending time with everyone – in our home and theirs!