60 Days Until Christmas

by Malia on October 13, 2017

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”-Luke 10:41-42

Today’s Holiday Quest:  Reduce distractions and Eliminate Irrelevant Traditions.

Photo credit Dreamstime.com

 

Having a peaceful, joyous Christmas does not have to be an ever-elusive goal. Before the season begins, take a few minutes to ponder what you really love about Christmas, versus a distraction. Next, take a few minutes to sit down with family members and discuss the following questions:

  • What are your favorite things that we do around Christmas time?
  • Who do you enjoy spending time with during December?
  • What was your favorite gift to give last year?
  • What was the favorite thing you received last year?
  • What foods do you always associate with Christmas?
  • What things do you do as a family for the holidays that you really do not enjoy?

Asking these questions may help you eliminate all kinds of work and stress as it becomes clear what is or is not important to your husband, children, and extended family. Be bold and eliminate those things that do not benefit your family.  What we found to be true about the entire Christmas season was the busier we were, the further we departed from our goal of celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. Some of the things that families do year after year are no longer pleasant or relevant. Eliminate those things, and consider what things you can do as a family this year to keep the message of CHRIST in Christmas.

Take notes of each person’s response, and remember to ask their opinions, but do not get your feelings hurt if the thing you love the best is not even on their radar.  This is not a time to get defensive or to try to state your own case.  Remember to ask yourself these questions, too!
For your extended family, make a quick phone call and ask the heads of those households the same questions.
This will be the starting point of your planning this year.  This may be an eye-opening experience and may free you from some tasks you have always done, just because you thought it was necessary.  When you eliminate the things that no one loves you will find you have more time and energy to devote to those things that really matter.
Write down YOUR favorite thing to do around the holidays.

Would you like to join us for the next 60 days to make our Holidays Holy and Thanksgiving Thankful?

 

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