Christmas Joy
Ten days until Christmas and surely some of you are feeling the pinch just a little. For me, my family is the first to be overlooked when I start to focus more on the to do list than the real meaning of Christmas. Finding the perfect gift becomes more important than celebrating our greatest gift. Here are just a few things that help keep the focus on Christmas while also keeping me from losing my shiz.
Don’t drop the QT. Quality time with family and friends can mean so much more than some tangible gift. Turn on the Christmas music and cook dinner together. Take a time out and watch a holiday movie together. Send the kids to the grandparents and spend the night by the fire with a glass of wine wrapping presents with your significant other! Schedule a relaxing dinner with someone special.
Share the season with those around you! Hand out candy canes to store patrons with a heartfelt note. Buy a gift card or even a candy bar and give it to the cashier at the checkout counter. Over tip your waitress and leave a Merry Christmas note. Bake goodies for the local fire or police station.
Give the gift of time. Offer to keep a friend’s kids while she finishes shopping or offer to finish her gift wrapping.
Take care of yourself! The saying really is true; if momma ain’t happy ain’t nobody happy. Sometimes we fail to remember, while joy is contagious so are the other emotions. Find your joy! If that means a Starbucks in a red cup and some window shopping then do it. If it means leaving town to catch some fresh air and a new perspective on the crazy then hop to it. Last year my friend Holly wrote this sweet post about the day she almost lost her joy and it was such an inspiration to me to read again this year.
Volunteer in your community. Whether it is delivering toys or food to those in need or ringing the salvation army bell you will be amazed how giving back can relieve your stress and fill your heart with joy. And seriously, y’all, I feel like this picture was like last year but these boys are now way taller than me!
Let’s Get Social
I love the ideas you've given about showing kindness to those in your community! Thank you for sharing this today! My mom is really enjoying the Ann Voskamp book!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Fantastic ideas. I needed this today.
This is such a great reminder when the pinch is coming. I have felt extra busy lately just trying to get to the point where I can enjoy the holiday! It kind of stinks to rush, rush, rush to get there. I need to slow my roll.
Such great ideas! I've put the Greatest Gift on my reading list!
I love all of these ideas so much! I am adding this to my Amazon wish list!
Such great tips Shelly, thank you!
Great tips for spreading joy! I love the candy cane idea!
Jill
Doused In Pink
I have so much to do and we have had quite a few commitments so my house is just kind of crazy but I stayed up tonight and the kitchen is super clean, my grocery list are made for the weekend and all the stinkin' throw pillows and throw blankets have been picked up and placed where they should be….so at least for that one hour before school my house will be in order. haha Very thankful we have a weekend at home with nothing on the calendar.
It was timely for me to sit and take note too Deena! I do feel rather relaxed compared to some years though so yea for that!
I'm so glad your mom is enjoying it Sarah! I have honestly found more joy in it this year even than last year.
Thank you for the reminders! I love Christmas and really trying to focus on family and friends this year!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
I needed to read Hollys post today. Thank you for sharing my friend
So glad Kimm! Hope you are doing ok! Merry Christmas.
Me too Ruth. It is so easy to get caught up in the craziness of the season but every year I seem to get just a little better at it. Trying to make my last little list today so I can enjoy the week once the kids are done with school.
It really is so easy and so fun Jill. You would be surprised how something so simply can bring smiles.
It really is a beautiful story….one I really didn't dive into until last year and reading it over again this year has been even more impactful. Merry Christmas Lindsay!
It is a sweet, sweet story.
We have started a tradition of playing board games on Christmas. We play after opening presents so we get that QT together that doesn't involve gifts.
So true! Need to remember all of these things. Thanks for the reminder!