Well, here we are November 1st! I have been so busy these past few weeks, I have not even had time to write. My grandmother used to say busier than a one armed paper hanger which no doubt would be a very offensive statement these days but think about it a minute.
If you were trying to hang paper, wallpaper that is for you young ones, how busy would you be while doing it with one arm? I know that is how most of you young mothers do everything so my hat goes off to you. Seriously though where has this year gone? I know I say that every year but really the time seems like is just keeps going faster and faster.
These next few weeks are my very favorite. I actually considered pulling out my Christmas music for my car today but figured I will at least get past this first weekend in November. Nothing beats Bing Crosby as far as I am concerned. My family all shares a love for this wonderful time between November 1st and January 1st each year. My kids most of which are all grown, still to this day feel it is not Christmas if we don’t keep with our set traditions and Christmas at home. I am fairly certain that I would get an uprising if I tried to mix things up too much. There are some things we just shouldn’t mess with.
Regardless of your stance on the holidays that are almost upon us one thing is certain we will usually spend a little extra time with loved ones. Let’s just admit right now that there are those that you are already dreading just a tad. That Aunt or Uncle that isn’t the best role model. That cousin that does everything in excess. Parents that are too controlling of their adult children. Ungrateful or entitled children and teens. The list could go on and on.
Here is a little advice on how to keep your holidays happy. Don’t try to please everyone. You cannot do it. Don’t get caught up in consumerism. Don’t run yourself ragged trying to attend every holiday function. Don’t feel like you have to be Martha Stewart by creating special handmade gifts for everyone and making everything you consume for 5 weeks from scratch. Stay within your own means. When the holidays are over you do not want bills to pay, those are the worst kind of leftovers. Start grooming your kids and extended family about what Christmas will not be for you this year. Yes, that means setting boundaries and speaking up. Perhaps a little family meeting or a message that suggests a simpler season. Focusing on what is really important. Trust me, little Johnny most likely will not even know what happened to that toy he just had to have in 6 months. Do things with your family that creates memories.
Consciously carve out times on your calendar now to make the holidays special. If you don’t have a tradition start one. Every day is a brand new day so it is never too late to start. Decide ahead of time who is to be involved in these traditions. For our family, we have things that we do that involve a large part of the family and extended family, but we have protected family time as well. One thing we have done since our older two were very little is we put on PJs, start a fire (in homes we have had this ability) make hot cocoa and watch A Muppet Christmas Carol. We have seen the movie so many times that we all have major parts of the lines memorized and we chime right in with the movie. Silly? Yes, but it is a memory maker and not Christmas without it. Last year we tried to take our major focus off gifts but spending time. I can tell you 100% that when your kids get older they may remember a few gifts throughout the years but they will remember all the special things you did together. Memory makers are the best.
My “free” advice to you for this holiday season is to evaluate every day, what memories and traditions are you setting into motion. As far as the crazies you have to put up with at holiday time, embrace them. It definitely takes all of us. Even in our families if we were all exactly alike how boring would that be. Take some stress off yourself and set boundaries and opportunities to include the family God has given us. Extend love and grace, which God has extended to you. You may very well be the only example of Jesus your family members witness this season so represent well. Give yourself the permission to enjoy the holidays and try not to just keep spinning plates.
Until Next Time…
robynstroup 
Leave a comment