Why is it that the most wonderful time of the year usually leaves us feeling stressed out, overwhelmed, run down and over ran? Because we allow it to happen.
This past Sunday, Bear was an angel (how ironic) in the church children's Christmas program. After they sang their little hearts out, the pastor spoke on Peace. He even asked if there was anyone feeling a bit overwhelmed from trying to do it ALL?!
THAT is when it HIT ME! I do NOT have to 'do it all'. That's right. Go ahead and put me on your 'naughty' list if you must. Or you can even call me Scrooge.
However, I've decided Christmas will come and go regardless if I miss a few activities. It will still be Christmas morn even if I drastically shorten my Christmas shopping list and have decided that I really just can't get into the commercialism side of this holiday.
Don't go freaking out on me yet! We still decorated our Christmas tree, will be hanging the stockings and even have two small white trash blow ups outside the farm house (Santa and a Reindeer). Bear also attended his 3rd annual local Christmas parade and visit with Santa.
Plus 'Sam' our Elf on the Shelf has arrived and is spreading a bit of elf antics. He doesn't misbehave because what would that teach a 5 year old little boy? Sam is enjoying the simple things in life too; like camping out under the tree.
Along with having a bit of elfish silliness.
Usually each year I have a huge list of crafty gifts to make for family and friends. This year the list is shorter and simplified. Unlike year's past where I have made many homemade/handmade gifts: For 5 inexpensive ideas visit HERE, and a thrifty quick gift idea for anyone, then there are also the bit more time involved projects of last Christmas.
Today is my last day of work for 2012. I am lucky that I work at a local University where I will have a week's vacation and a week of holidays. So next week there will be a bit of baking and crafting going on at the farm. Along with attending the Christmas party at Bear's school.
The difference for me this year is that I have given myself permission to not feel the pressure of doing it all by deciding that less really IS more. Also, slowing down to enjoy the experiences we choose to participate in. I do not want to be in Holiday Hell.
I can go sit in the barn with AnnaBelle (our jersey calf) and reflect on what it must have been like for Mary to give birth in a stable surrounding by animals. Maybe I should get the family together, along with hot chocolate...go to the barn with Rosie (the jersey milk cow), her calf, chickens, turkeys and barn kitty to share the real Christmas story. Sounds like a wonderful family night to me, far removed from the hustle and bustle!
Plus 'Sam' our Elf on the Shelf has arrived and is spreading a bit of elf antics. He doesn't misbehave because what would that teach a 5 year old little boy? Sam is enjoying the simple things in life too; like camping out under the tree.
Today is my last day of work for 2012. I am lucky that I work at a local University where I will have a week's vacation and a week of holidays. So next week there will be a bit of baking and crafting going on at the farm. Along with attending the Christmas party at Bear's school.
The difference for me this year is that I have given myself permission to not feel the pressure of doing it all by deciding that less really IS more. Also, slowing down to enjoy the experiences we choose to participate in. I do not want to be in Holiday Hell.
I can go sit in the barn with AnnaBelle (our jersey calf) and reflect on what it must have been like for Mary to give birth in a stable surrounding by animals. Maybe I should get the family together, along with hot chocolate...go to the barn with Rosie (the jersey milk cow), her calf, chickens, turkeys and barn kitty to share the real Christmas story. Sounds like a wonderful family night to me, far removed from the hustle and bustle!
“Focus is often a matter of deciding what things you’re not going to do.” – John Carmack
Want to read more of Mom's doing less and enjoying more this season?
Visit with Jules over at Pancakes & French Fries or Rita with her post on Celebrating a Simply Holiday.
How are you finding more PEACE this holiday season?
You hit the proverbial nail on the head with this one, Sherri! Actually, more and more, we are giving less and less store bought gifts. I love to bake and knit, and my husband, who usually is the one standing in the line ups in the stores, because his family is more the "commercialized" kind, can't stand standing in the line ups in the stores, lol! See the irony here?! So we are going to more simplified Christmases and feeling much better about it. And our wallets are feeling much better about it, as well! BRAVO, Sherri, BRAVO!!! Jesus didn't come down from Heaven to have us empty our wallets, and get all frazzled. He came for just the opositite!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 100%! I've done less this year as far as the "buying" goes. I do things for my family all year, and am trying to do more meaningful things for their Christmas. Your idea of sharing the real Christmas story in your barn is fabulous! Go for it!!
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