Tuesday's Tips and Tricks

Well Christmas is practically here.  Are you enjoying the season?

I am. I think that planning ahead of time really helped. I had a rough spot the first week of the month, simply because we had something to do every night. I got a migraine and that didn't help matters. Now that it's over, I don't think I'd change anything.

The one thing I really want to do that has caused me a significant amount of stress is painting a Christmas scene to use for my Christmas card. I am a bit late to the game to pull this off. Even so, i feel like I will be upset if I do not do it. Once I get somethin in my head, it is hard for me to change it. So, I am not giving up...

But next year I am going to do things a bit differently.

Hmmmm... so what does any of this rambling have to do with tips and tricks?

Here ya go....

Tips for finding a moment of PEACE in the midst of the Christmas Hustle and bustle.....

Ladies... take some time for yourself. 

Take a long bath.

Get your nails done (or do them yourself). 

Get up early enough to sit in peace and enjoy your coffee.

Meet a friend for lunch.

If you live far enough north to get snow, sit and watch the snow fall. Listen to the quietness of it. Notice how it covers all the imperfections of the world with a pristine blanket of pure white.

Do something...peaceful... something that makes your soul rest.

I have to wait until my people go to deer camp or I have to get up earlier than usual or stay up later than everyone else to have this time to myself. I don't want or need alone time very often, but this time is important to me. It soothes my soul. This is time I can spend in God's Word without interruption or distraction. This is time that my soul can rest. 

If you still have littles in your home, stop for an evening and watch a Christmas movie with them snuggled up on the couch. Read to them or let them read to you. Set everything aside for an evening and let them help you make cookies or pancakes. Slow down. They grow up so fast. 

Teenagers at home? Invite their friends over one evening for cookie making/ decorating and a movie. Their laughter will fill your heart with joy, which should compensate for the mess they will most likely leave in your kitchen. 

The point is, slow down. Slow down even if for only one afternoon or evening. Slow down. Sit in the silence and enjoy the light of the Christmas tree. Ponder the Nativity. Remember those who have gone on to heaven and the memories of Christmases past that fill your heart with warmth and joy. 

(I don't know what to tell guys... I tell Calvin to go hunting, but if you don't hunt...well, I got nuthin.)

The point is simply this, there is SO much business these next few weeks. It is all too easy to fall into the trap of rushing here and there to experience all the things we want to do... that we don't take time to stop and rest in the true gift of Christmas, the gift of a Savior, and the many gifts God has blessed us with. 

Much love and big hugs...

K