This Christmas Season has felt a bit different this year, having just finished my Christmas decorating last evening. Usually, I am on top of things, but completing all my tasks has been hectic this year.
Does this resonate with you? Will you take this opportunity to deep breathe with me and remind yourself that perfectionism is not the goal this Season? Join me in sitting with a cozy blanket and a hot tea or coffee and read this with me, dear friend.
Last night I asked myself as I folded paper snowflakes if this was preparing me for the Christmas season. You know, the real reason for Christmas our Lord and Savior coming to us as an infant. Asking that question made me approach the task differently; instead of scrambling to finish, I played some beautiful music and imagined my niece and nephews’ faces when they saw the finished product. I simplified the task instead of letting it consume me and become too elaborate. Kids like simple too. I’m not claiming to have all the answers here, but understanding your why for things can help you decide what is truly important this year, and posting a video to Instagram shouldn’t be the driving source.
Do you remember what made you feel joy at Christmastime as a kid? What are the Christmas memories you cherish the most? Does it have a thing to do with perfection? Probably not, right?
I would love to share mine with you. Here is a list of my 5 Favorite Christmas Traditions I hold dear.
#1. Christmas Caroling
I remember, as a kid walking through our local nursing home to sing Christmas Carols down the hallway. We now do that as a church family and bless the elderly with music. It doesn’t feel like Christmas if we aren’t freezing our butts off to share music with loved ones. For King and Country’s Little Drummer Boy is my favorite to rock out at home.
#2. Something Homemade
Whether it’s mom’s favorite hot cocoa recipe, chocolate-dipped buckeyes, or homemade caramels, there has always been some homemade element to our Christmas’. Giving and receiving homemade goodness is so meaningful.
#3. Lights
Don’t ever discount the power of twinkle lights. As a photographer, I see in light; maybe that’s unusual. A string of lights can stay up long past Christmastime in the long dark winter months and bring joy far into January.
#4. Christmas Party
Now to some of you, these are added stressors, and I can understand that, but I photograph one every year, and every year, I see the beauty of the Season through the eyes of these hardworking employees. They have gotten used to me getting in their faces with a camera now, and their kids come to talk to me; it means the world to me.
#5. Family
I saved the best for last. It would never feel like Christmas without our loved ones. While we celebrate one year at Thanksgiving and the next at Christmastime, it always feels even more special at Christmastime. I know I need to share my family with their other members; call me selfish, I guess. But seriously, we pour so much of ourselves; caring about each other’s passions, listening to burdens, interceding for health and continued healing, and so much more. That’s family to me.
#6. A few more things
Christmas Cards sent to loved ones, pretty wrapped gifts with particular attention to ribbon and notes under the tree, Hallmark Christmas movies in the background, and filling Christmas Shoe boxes for the less fortunate are just a few more things that bring meaning to the Season.
I hope this inspired you! I hope you found peace here. No pressure to perform. Just a beautiful reminder to celebrate! Merry Christmas, Lovelies!
Xoxo, until next month!
