It's the Most Wonderful {stressful} Time of Year

Tips for making Christmas enjoyable and peaceful for all.

Dec 21, 2023

🎄Merry Christmas!

In this busy season, it can be difficult to do all the things that we enjoy. All of the scheduled events, expectations from others, extra gatherings, gift buying (and wrapping)… it can all feel overwhelming.

But, if we take the time to enjoy the traditions that we care about we can make memories and find joy. This is hard. It does not come naturally and it does require making intentional space.

So, this December I am taking a break from writing and publishing. I am choosing to slow down. I want to spend more time with my kids and enjoy the holidays with baked goods, knitting, and Christmas music.

I am also going to be spending time with family celebrating the life of my dear Aunt Stacie. I am sure I will be writing about this more as I process this loss. My heart goes out to all who are grieving during this season, know that you are not alone. 💙

Here are some posts for you all (from my blog archive) that I hope will be helpful in this season. 🎄☃️

Favorite Posts from the Blog:

Here are some articles for you as embrace this beautiful season of celebration and slowing down.

Gaining Control When I’m Overwhelmed

We all have days when we feel off or directionless and the way that we regain focus matters. What we tell ourselves on those days shapes our inner dialog. What we do when we are frustrated becomes part of who we are. Our small decisions build patterns and a lifestyle.

Do we gain control in a calm, thoughtful way?
Do we explode in anger, react to those around us like a selfish child, or seep sarcasm?
Or do we give up and end up on the couch wasting time?

I know which ones I want to say are true about me and the others that unfortunately my family sees way too often.

To change behavior, we need new ideas and new tools to try.

💙 > > > read more…

Batching Household Tasks – My Favorite Homemaking Tip

For those of you who might be feeling overwhelmed by household tasks in the midst of Christmas activities. Here is my secret to keeping up with the cleaning.

I have found that batching is the key to getting lots of things done but not thinking about it all day. This article is simple and full of examples. I’m sure you will be able to apply this practical tool in whatever areas are frustrating for you. 💙> > > read more…

Journal Prompts:

- What do you enjoy doing in the quiet evenings at home?

- Are there specific books that you enjoy reading this time of year?

- Is your home a peaceful place to rest and restore your soul?

My Prayer for You:

Lord Jesus,
Help us embrace this season. Show us how to slow down and enjoy the changes in nature and in our homes. Help us to see the things that we waste time and energy on. Show us how to make an impact in the lives of those around us in simple ways. Help us to choose love, kindness, and generosity. Give us the courage to make some changes this December.
Let this season of celebration be a time of closeness with You God.
Amen

I want to allow this month to be different than the rest of the year. I want to slow down in some ways but also do the work of preparation to enjoy the season. There are no right or wrong answers for any of this. So I will do what I am comfortable with this year.

🎄☃️🎁Have a very Merry Christmas! – April

Photo by Al Elmes / Eugene Zhyvchik / Tracy Adams and others on Unsplash

April Edwards [Embracing Home]