Right now, in the midst of the busy, in the midst of this crazy time of the holidays when the everyday to-do list gets a steroid boost of stuff that has immediately become urgent, and the race through the everyday doesn’t seem to slow down enough for you to even catch a breath – bless your family with a smile. Don’t wish away the holidays or let the stress of the holidays rob you of joy.
Do you know how I know? Because just the other day as the kids were begging for me to take out the Christmas lights I remember thinking I wish it was January 2.
Yet, deep down, I don’t.
I just don’t like the stressed out crazy racing expectation driven feeling the often December leaves me with. And I am guessing some of you don’t either. It’s hard to step back, to celebrate Christmas and the holidays when one is running too hard, too fast, and not being able to enjoy the gift of memories found in these weeks.
Try to remember.
Right now, as you’re sitting there reading these words, try to remember what it was like, on a great year, when you were a kid, when Christmas rolled around. I remember the days seemed to move slow – like the molasses we’d drizzle into the Moravian Gingerbread cookies – and that everything seemed just a bit more magical. I remember the lights, the reading of stories late at night with only the Christmas lights as illumination, and the never ending wonder and anticipation about those presents that once were carefully placed under the tree but always had a thorough evaluation by my siblings and myself. It magic.
That’s what kids need. They need that bit of excitement, the anticipation, the joy, the wonder that can be tucked into December.
And yet, so often, you and I and the entire culture becomes so busy and stressed out like a coiled spring ready to snap. You have a choice. I have a choice. Embrace the culture of crazy or choose to be intentional during this upcoming month of December. I’m not saying the busy will go away – the busy – unless you decline every invite and shop at the weirdest hours possible it will inevitably be there. But, you can choose to not engage in adopting a stressed out attitude.
Your gift?
You can choose joy in the midst.
You can choose to celebrate the little things.
You can choose to create memories with your family.
You can choose to laugh.
You can choose to slow down just a bit.
You can choose to be happy even on those crazy days.
You can choose to not let stress dictate your mood.
You can choose to simply let the crazy busy still be good.
That’s what I’m choosing to do. I’m choosing to bake cookies, to let there be that mess, to pull out the decorations, to string lights outside with numb fingers, to play the music, to draw names, to go to the parties, to simply celebrate the season. Even if I feel stress. The bottom line is this, I want my kids to remember me as the mom that smiled during the holidays – even though I’m sure I’ll mess up many times – but yet, deep down, I want them to see me as the mom that embodied joy.
That’s what I want for you.
So dear mom during the holidays, let it, the stress, expectations, agenda, rushing, and more go.
Just a teeny bit.
Now, in these last days of November before the holiday crazy truly begins, embrace today.
And choose joy.
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10 comments
Oh, how I needed this. Thank you, Rachel. You always speak right to my heart. I am really struggling right now. Your words of encouragement are a big help! God bless you!
thanks Rachel – you always know the right words!
Beautiful reminder – we let go of Santa – don’t shoot me- three years ago…we reduced the gifts and the running. We increased the peace and the memories. It’s beautiful…reflecting onthe true reason, getting away fromt he commercialism and building relationships through memories.
My husband is wishing I read this about an hour ago before I said for the first time in 40 years I am ready to cancel Christmas. 🙂 I am missing my little boy who would be 8 this Christmas, I’m juggling food allergy “issues” for class parties, birthday parties, etc. and trying to convince family that after 5 years my little girls food allergies aren’t suddenly negotiable when preparing holiday fare! And then I read your post and remembered ALL my parents did to give me the memories you shared and I know what I have to do….THANK YOU! Thank you very, very much! Merry Christmas to You!
Amen to that! I buy presents early and try to keep to things calm and simple. It makes my whole family much happier.
Thank you for the reminder! Happy holiday season to all the mama’s out there and their loved ones.
I love this post so much. You are so right on. We don’t need to stress. We need to smile. We need to enjoy. We need to savor these sweet little times because by next Christmas, our little ones will be an entire year older.
Hope you’re having a great trip!
Know that I’m here praying!!!
Psalms 63:1-2 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
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Don’t think you’re getting much sleep but hope you’re having a fantastic time!
Continuing to lift up prayers!
Psalms 63:5-8 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
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The thing I remember best from my own childhood holidays is laying on the floor in our family room with the lights off and the white Christmas lights lit on the tree and around the nativity. My parents would play soft Christmas music and I loved the feeling of laying there in the soft glow of the lights. There were many nights that I fell asleep there on the floor and my parents carried me to bed. I remember that. I don’t remember what I got. The simple, little things really do matter. Thanks Rachel!