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!
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