14 Dec Get ready, get set for Christmas
The carols can be heard in the stores, the tinsel and trees are up. Some houses have their Christmas lights up early November. More and more, the commercial hype of Christmas shopping attacks us earlier and earlier, already getting our blood pressure going and the need to start doing something to avoid the rush. Whether you are a new mom or have lots of years under your belt, the season of Christmas can cause a lot of anxiety. The push and pull of the world around us and our own expectations to do things just right can send us spinning. Although we all want and desire a Christmas filled with joy, peace, and love, our day to day life does not often testify to its presence in us. Ladies, we need to pull back the reins, think before we act and steer it in the right direction!
Christmas is not about running around like headless chickens. The first Christmas and the most important Christmas was super simple, a bit messy, yet extremely powerful. Not many were present, yet it’s impact touches the world for generations. Maybe this is the year we should contemplate that first Christmas in Bethlehem and learn some lessons that can make this Christmas a special one!
Too often we get carried away in the “doing”, and forget about “being” the good news of Christmas. Pull back and look at what you are doing and why you do it. What can be adjusted? delegated? let go of? What messages are you broadcasting by your stress levels? Where are you soaking in the Love, peace and joy of the season?? Is it only about the to-do list and making a great impression? What and who are you celebrating? You and your wish list? or Someone greater? Make time and energy to focus on the loves of your life – love for God, love for others and love for yourself. Take time to pray. Actually learn to stop and rest in God. Scale back on the material stuff, give yourself more breaks and time for reflection and savoring the blessings. Let God more into your life. Allow your life to be transformed.
Kindness is a super power that builds bridges and opens hearts. This year, maybe consider taking the Kindness Challenge. This free daily reminder transforms and invigorates any relationship you wish to improve. Bring peace and joy to those who need it most! Be Christmas for others!!! Kindness makes all the difference. Go ahead and put a smile on someone else. Give and you will receive so much more back! Let Christmas be born in your heart!
Here is a wonderful list of super ideas on how to de-stress the season. We are each at different ends of the spectrum when it comes to these holidays: single, newly married, new mom, mom of many, young and old, retired, possibly widowed. Recognize your energy level, your ability to delegate, the means you have at your disposal, then choose the path of most joy. To do this, you need to select neglect, because you can’t be everything for everyone without burning out. I’ve asked all kinds of friends to contribute their input on these topics, so take a peak and see what resonates with you.
- Advent Preparations
- Christmas Cards
- Christmas Baking
- Christmas Cooking
- Christmas Presents
- Embracing a COVID Christmas Holiday Season by Eleanor Warren
- Ideas for Christmas by Eleanor Warren
- Keeping Christmas Simple by Dianne Wood
- A Mother’s Advent by Ida Gazzola
- Have A Simply Wonderful Christmas by Barbara Lilley
Enjoy these some short videos that may bring inspiration, a chuckle, and some good cheer:
The Messengers 2021 – Christmas with the Chosen (available for free on the Chosen App)
The Shepherd – A story of the First Christmas created by the Chosen
Christmas 2018 by IKEA – Do You Know Your Family? Well worth watching!!
The Other Letter by IKEA
The Christmas Story
Creative 12 Days of Christmas by a Family of 12
An Unexpected Christmas
Advent: More Than A Chocolate Calendar with other videos available
Christmas movies worth watching: (I am astounded that many have never seen It’s a Wonderful Life which becomes more meaningful to my husband and I as we age)
Angela’s Christmas (2018) – animation
The Toy That Saved Christmas (Veggie Tales Movie) – animation
Merry Larry and the True Light of Christmas ( Veggie Tales Movie) – animation
St. Nicholas : A Story of Joyful Giving (Veggie Tales Movie) – animation
The Star of Christmas (Veggie Tales Movie) – animation
It’s a Meaningful Life (Veggie Tales Movie) – animation
The Little Drummer Boy (Veggie Tales Movie) – animation
Annabelle’s Wish (1997) – animation
The Star (2017) – animation
The Little Drummer Boy (1968) – a stop motion animation
Rudolph, The Red Nose Reindeer (1964) – a stop motion animation
Frosty, the Snow Man (1969) – animation
Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983) – animation
The Grinch That Stole Christmas (1966) – older animation done with the voice of Boris Karloff
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) – animation
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) – musical/comedy/drama with puppets
Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) – animation
The Nativity (2006) – PG drama
Polar Express (2004) with Tom Hanks – G animation/adventure
Ernest Saves Christmas (1988) – PG comedy
Home Alone (1990) – PG comedy
Elf (2003) – PG comedy/fantasy
The Nutcracker (1986) – musical/ballet
The Homecoming: A Christmas Story (1971 The Walton Family TV Episode) – drama
Miracle on 34th Street (1947) – drama
White Christmas (1954) with Bing Crosby – musical/comedy/romance
Bells of St. Mary’s (1945) with Bing Crosby – drama
Going My Way (1944) with Bing Crosby – drama
Holiday Inn (1942) with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire – musical/comedy
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) with Jimmy Stewart – drama
A Christmas Carol (1951) (1984) – drama based on Charles Dickens’ classic story
Hearts of Christmas (2016 Hallmark movie) – romance/drama
A Prince for Christmas (2015 Hallmark movie) – romance/drama
Crown for Christmas (2015 Hallmark movie) – romance/drama
A Nutcracker Christmas (2016 Hallmark movie) – family/drama
Christmas Cookies (2016 Hallmark movie) romance/drama
A Christmas to Remember (2016 Hallmark movie) romance/drama
Take advantage too to develop family traditions by listening to particular Christmas music each year while you bake, decorate and enjoy family meals. Various families mentioned some of these as their favorites:
Barra MacNeil’s Christmas Music (for Celtic lovers)
Andrea Bocelli Christmas Music
Vienna Boys Choir Christmas Music
Pentatonix Christmas Music (big hit amongst tweens and teens)
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