It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And the most chaotic, busy, and stressful time of the year. Some days it feels the furthest from ‘wonderful’ that you can get.
I don’t know about you but my to-do list is crazy long! Christmas shopping, baking, parties, ornament exchanges, and visiting with family and friends on top of all of our everyday tasks we already have to balance. Just thinking about it..
It’s okay, we can do this! Just take a deep breath and try and remember these 5 things to help keep your sanity this holiday season.
Keep Christ at the Center of Christmas
For my family, this one is the most important at Christmas time. And quite honestly, it’s the easiest to do! We are blessed to go to a church that continually has opportunities to celebrate the coming of our Savior.
We love to attend the mid-week concerts each Wednesday night along with our regular Advent church services at our church Faith Lutheran in Grand Blanc. Our favorite activity at church during the Christmas season is our live nativity called Journey to Bethlehem. It is a walk through story of the birth of Jesus. Many of our church families get involved and play all the different parts of the story.
This year my husband, our youngest and I got the chance to play Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus. So much fun! My family told me the baby bottle effected the authenticity but what Baby Jesus wants, Baby Jesus gets!
Christmas is the Season of Giving
I am so incredibly blessed to have more than I need, deserve and could ever use and I thank God every day for that. I also keep in mind those families who do not have as much as we do. It is important to our family to give to those who may be less fortunate than us and especially during the holidays!
There are so many ways to give! If you’re looking for places to volunteer this holiday season check out this post by GCMB contributor Shannon: 9 Places to Volunteer in Genesee County this Christmas
Don’t Over Schedule
You DO NOT have to attend every party, tree lighting, and event that you are invited to! It’s so tempting to say yes to everything but do yourself a favor and really prioritize what is most important and beneficial to you and your family before agreeing to an invitation.
In our kitchen we use a giant family calendar that hosts everyone’s events, classes, and activities that are happening! Everything we do goes on this calendar. This makes it much easier not to double book ourselves on any days or times.
We also make sure we have days completely blocked off for just the 4 of us to spend time together! No plans at all. Just family time, movies, snacks and board games. This is so important to me because these are the memories I want my children to have! Just simple, quality time with their family making traditions of our very own.
Take a Step Back and Soak it All In
This time only comes around once a year. This is the only time your babies will be this age while celebrating the holidays! Take it all in. Take pictures, journal memories, and be present!
Treasuring these precious moments of baby’s first Christmas!
Treasuring these precious moments of baby’s first Christmas!Unplug from all of the technology and social media and truly enjoy those who are right in front of you. Squeeze your loved ones a little tighter and realize how blessed you are with all you’ve been given. None of the holiday chaos would be worth it if it weren’t for those precious moments of family time.
Treat Yo’self!
Because girl, YOU DESERVE IT! You’ve been running around like crazy trying to make everyone else’s holiday season magical. Mission accomplished!
Now it’s your turn! Pour a large glass of wine and enjoy all the joy that your months of preparation have brought to your loved ones.
Thanks Ryan, we will.
Thanks Ryan, we will.What ways do you keep in mind to help you make your way through the holidays?
Comment below and add to my list!
