For those of you who follow my blog regularly, you may be noticing a theme here… The theme isn’t just Christmas but really embracing the reason for this season. Earlier this week I talked about inviting Christ’s light into our homes, workplaces and relationships. Today I want to share this wonderful post from my friend Jessica Paulsen’s blog, The Local Goodness. Jessica talks about the trapping of perfection that many women get caught in this season. Jessica has some great suggestions for things that are better to get caught up in – like sharing time with your children, neighbors and of course, Jesus.
Give Yourself Permission to Nix the Christmas Card (and other trappings)
December 5, 2016
Only 20 more days until wide eyed kids tiptoe down halls in unabated excitement.
Only 21 more days until stressed eyed parents pack it all away in unabashed exaltation.
All photos courtesy of Jessica Paulsen
Contrary to what you are thinking right about now, I am not a scrooge!
But sometimes the trappings of Christmas seem to do, just that – Trap us.
Trap us into believing every one of those trappings has to be done, every single year. And not only checked off the list, but completed in perfection.
Christmas Lights Advent Calendars Locally Sourced Gifts Christmas Cards Homemade Desserts Wreaths on the Door Christmas Caroling Kid Made Ornaments Trees House Decor Christmas Parties
The list is never ending and there is a pressure you feel that if you even just dip your toe into a certain area the result has to be Pinterest perfect.
For those around me, Christmas cards seem to be the biggest hold up. You spend a fortune on a professional photographer or try to find the just perfect candid photo of kids having a sweet moment. It all ends as you begrudgingly hand write more addresses than you thought possible.
Why is it that family photo shoots make root canal dentist visits seem more enjoyable?
Bribes and Lollipops just don’t cut it and temper tantrums erupt when your 8 year old is asked nicelyforced into a collared shirt.
Photo courtesy of Jessica Paulsen
So this year, instead of giving yourself a guilt trip over all you haven’t done this Christmas season..
Cuddle up in front of the fire with your kids.
Give a hug to your elderly neighbor.
Read the Christmas story from the Bible.
Nix the cards and Just Be Still. {This is what I’m doing this year!}
Don’t fill up every second of your time. The world will not end if you don’t send out cards.
Invite your brilliant sister to town and let her make elephant toothpaste for your kids
Photos courtesy of Jessica Paulsen
Most of all, repeat this mantra… trappings are NOT what make the Christmas season.
Christmas is a time to remember God’s love for YOU and share that love with all mankind.
His love isn’t found bundled up in a card, present, or tree.
It’s found in the quiet and in the simple… giving a hug, bestowing a smile, or laughing together.
Christmas is found in the every day minutia of the relationships we share with those around us.
Merry Christmas!
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