December is inherently a month swirling with emotion, and sometimes the to-do list is downright overwhelming. While you are preparing for the holidays, take some time to think about how you want them to be this year. What needs to be different? What traditions do you want to keep? What things are going to create the happy memories you want to look back on?
Most of us plan to do the usual things for the holidays and busy ourselves for the sake of the season. Maybe you can use a few ideas that will give meaning to the busyness.
• Clean and declutter your home from top to bottom. It always feels better when you start with a clean home. Do a quick decluttering; then take your extras to local thrift stores. This is not the time to do the overhaul. Save that for the New Year.
• Buy or make Christmas/holiday cards. With so many ways to send notes to people these days, a handwritten, well-thought-out note can brighten someone’s day. Think of someone to add to your list who might not expect a card from you. When you mail your cards, feel good about yourself, knowing that people will be blessed by your thoughtfulness.
• Invest time in others. Whether visiting a residential care community or a neighbor, squeeze in some time to spend with others. If time truly is an issue, at least call someone and encourage them.
• Give the kids in the family the ability to experience the joy of giving. In the December 2019-January 2020 issue of Focus on the Family magazine, Erica Renaud shared a brilliant suggestion: “Instead of us buying all the gifts, we took the money we would’ve spent on the children and divided it up between them to spend on each other,” she wrote. “With a little help and guidance, they picked out and purchased gifts for each of their siblings. My husband and I added some small items that we used to fill their stockings. Instead of December being spent thinking about what they wanted to receive, they were excitedly thinking about what they wanted to give. Christmas morning was so beautiful, as they each took turns presenting the gifts they had handpicked for their siblings.”
• Make care packages to keep in your car in case you see someone in need. These can include gift cards, food that won’t spoil (bars, jerky, prepackaged food, drinks), blankets or sleeping bags, backpacks, socks, self-care products (toothbrush, toothpaste, cup, comb, brush, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, washcloth, towel, sweatshirt, sweatpants). Add a personal note of prayer and encouragement to the recipient.
• Decorate. What brings you joy in your decorations? Lights? Tree? A special nativity scene? Fresh greenery? Think about ways you can keep it simple while still living in the beauty of the season.
• Host a holiday cookie share. Everyone invited brings two dozen already baked homemade cookies, along with written recipes for them. You provide the drinks and the festive atmosphere. Everyone goes home with a sampling of everyone else’s homemade cookies, new recipes, and happy memories.
• Keep a homemade pound cake or other treat on hand. It seems someone is always stopping by for a quick visit, and it’s extra welcoming to have something homemade to serve. Haven’t you dropped by a friend or family member’s home and had that special something that made the visit just right? If not, make it your signature. You can be the one known for your hospitality.
• Shop local small businesses whenever possible. Our area is blessed with many fun places to shop for unique items and gifts. Coligny Plaza, Shelter Cove Towne Centre, Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina, Harbour Town, The Village at Wexford, Tanger Outlets, and Old Town Bluffton, among other places in the area, have stores specializing in great gifts from tea, honey, and hot sauce to kitchen décor, original artworks, unique accessories, albums, comic books, and area-specific souvenirs. Be sure to get a snack from a local bakery, ice cream, or sandwich shop.
• Have a front porch basket full of snacks and drinks for delivery people. Fill a container – this could be a basket, washtub, cooler, you get the picture! – with individually packaged snacks and drinks. Add a note that is large enough for them to notice, genuinely thanking these helpful people.
• Think about (and pray for) those who have had a hard year. Whether it’s people who have lost everything to hurricanes, or war, or someone who is taking care of a sick loved one, give some thought to how you might be able to help, even if it seems small. If everyone helped in their own small way, the world would be a better place. And if nothing else, lift them up in prayer. That’s the most powerful thing you can do.
• Remember what it’s all about. Forty years ago, everyone knew the “real Christmas story.” It’s not about Santa Claus, although he has his roots in the church. Read the true account of the Christmas story in the book of Luke in the Bible. Take time to slow down and worship the One it’s all about. Traditional songs such as “O Holy Night” or “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” are a good place to start. If you prefer today’s worship music over traditional songs, check out Charleston native Brandon Lake. His fan favorites “Praise” or “Gratitude” can get you going.
• Pray. If you don’t know how, just talk to God like he’s your good father. He wants to be. Then listen for his responses. Find a church service to attend.
Now you’re ready. Take time to be with family or friends. Listen to too much Christmas music. Remember past Christmases and loved ones. Watch Christmas movies. Work a puzzle. Make special recipes. Have that “me” time you need to rest and recover from the routine of regular life. And have yourself a merry little Christmas!
