Did you know that Christmas was next week? Well you probably did, but for some reason I thought that I had a whole other week with the kids out of school needing to be entertained. When I realized my error this morning it was in a mix of horror and relief. Relief that I only have a few days to entertain bored children, and horror that I only have a few more days to get everything done and cram in lots of Christmas magic before it's just boring old January.
In honor of the fact that I'm completely running out of time here are some quick bits of "advice" on how to enjoy your Christmas Holiday
1. Make sure you get all the sickness possible out of the way beforehand - ie have family members with bouts of stomach flu, various colds/coughs/runny noses, and a sinus infection all while forcing the sneezing, coughing (non feverish) children to attend various singing, dancing, and piano programs.
2. Injure a crucial part of your anatomy (not lungs/heart/etc) just enough that you are completely able to walk, shop, clean, or do dishes. You'll be able to more fully enjoy your holiday while sitting on the couch. You'll find joy from shopping from your seat (not your feet) and have lots of "free" time as you watch everyone else hustle and bustle around you.
3. Have a complete lack of patience with your kids. Make sure that while they are trying to be nice, you are able to nitpick everything they do to help them feel especially loved.
As you can see our holiday might not be off to the bestest of starts, which may be why I was hoping that we really did have an extra week before we got to the big day. It's been a tough couple of weeks here and we are still working are way to Christmas Magic. However it is always crazy at this time of year at our house. My desire to have a completely peaceful and quiet holiday is never going to happen. A few years ago I came to accept this and instead of longing for something that is unachievable, instead we make the best of what we have.
1. I always shop early for everybody. This isn't to brag but is how I cope. My goal is to have everything completely done by the twins birthday. That gives me a good two weeks to enjoy the holiday with a little less stress.
2. Take an hour (or two) and enjoy a movie. Elf and the 3 Santa Clause movies are some of our annual favorites. This year we've also picked up a couple of cute ones from various cable channels. It's a great break to enjoy a cuddle, a bit of popcorn, and a nice movie with a good message.
3. SIMPLIFY - This one seems impossible sometimes, but it is truly in all the small things that magic happens. Take time to build a snow man and sip hot cocoa. Listen to a story as you watch the twinkle lights on the tree. Drop the tradition that stresses you out. Worry a little less about disappointing other people and give yourself permission to enjoy the things that only happen this time of year.
AND even though you hear it over and over again. Remember the reason for the season. Spend a minute, an hour, a day, thinking about Christ. Say a prayer, read a scripture, sing a hymn, count your blessings. I have lots of favorite scriptures, but the one I find coming to my mind today is
Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of of Peace.
May your Christmas season be filled with the kind of peace that can only be obtained through Christ.
Happy Holidays!!!!!!!
"Worry a little less about disappointing other people and give yourself permission to enjoy the things that only happen this time of year." - that is the line that got me. That is me. I spend all my time trying to make Christmas nice for everyone else and forget that I need to enjoy it too.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I needed a reminder.