8th Day of Christmas

How do the holidays become something we need to manage or get through? Well, it doesn’t have to be this way. Take stock of what the holidays mean to you and what your goals are you just might find the joy of the season.

What do the holidays mean to you?
Jot down a few words that describe your ideal holiday season. Words that describe what the holidays can be like for your family when there is no additional baggage. Here are some words that came to my mind: celebrating Christ, prayer, relaxing, enjoying time together, fun

What do you need to do?
And I mean really need to do? Have realistic expectations for yourself and then sit down with your calendar and make sure all your obligations are penciled in, not carve out a bit of time for the things that are on your to-do list. (It may even help to do this daily). Putting everything down on paper will free to you think about the task at hand and enjoy the moment rather than worry what you might be forgetting. Keep the calendar and list either with you or in a central spot like the fridge. I need to: wrap two more presents, finish my Christmas cards, and be sure to take it all in stride when there are lots of people in the house.

What are your priorities?
Now make a list of things you’d like to do over the next few days (rather than just the have-to-dos). Are there traditions or memories you want to be certain to continue?

Once you write them down, make sure that these items become a priority! Make them happen. Some things on my list: Christmas eve service at the church Mark and I got married in, family picture Christmas morning on the front steps (if we don’t do this right away, it never happens), make baklava, drive around and look at all the pretty lights, watch a cheesy Christmas movie, play board games, and sleep (sometimes I forget to do this when there is so much going on – and that is not good for anybody!)

Enjoy…
Keep things in perspective by remembering the true meaning of the season. Don’t fill the next week with obligations and commercialism, but enjoy the time that you have with family (even those you are glad to see only once a year!) Don’t sweat the small stuff. The holidays will be over before you know it, so enjoy them while you can.