The new year is well underway; with families focusing more on Easter and taxes by now than new year’s resolutions. But in this third month of the year, as many of us rekindle our resolutions during 40 days of lent, I find myself reflecting back on the joy of the holidays. Not only am I reminiscing on the joy it brings, but also the possibility. Perhaps in those final weeks of 2022, you were setting goals to achieve more in 2023: More self-love, more motivation, and more mindfulness toward yourself and your family.
Many of us share the same desires, that is to set goals and make our lives better than they are with each passing day, week, and year. But despite our best efforts, it is easy to fall back into old patterns. Patterns which, ultimately, make us feel bad rather than good.
That’s why I’m taking some time now to do a self-check-in. Am I doing what I sought out to do? Can I recommit to my goals? How can I harness the joy that I had in December while also passionately pursuing my goals?
I find myself wondering if during the holidays, when we are typically more generous, more loving, and certainly more focused on family time – if there’s a way to harness that energy today once life has come rushing back in to distract us?
I digress. Let me first paint the picture. The countdown to Christmas really puts so many of us in a happy mood. For a couple weeks, we ignore the outrageous grocery bill, our diet and weight loss goals, gas prices, and chaotic news stories. Instead, we immerse ourselves in baking much-loved family recipes, sipping hot chocolate, diving deep into our favorite Christmas movies, and filling our calendars with every holiday fair, concert, party, or activity we can make time to attend.
You could say that the holiday times are what we live for. Placing aside our angers and frustrations in an effort to enjoy life with the ones we love. Sure – the holidays are still stressful, but I contend that the stress is something we can choose to reject in favor of a slower paced but much more meaningful overall holiday experience.
Bill Murray is quoted as saying, “It’s Christmas Eve! It’s the one night of the year when we all act a little nicer, we smile a little easier, we cheer a little more. For a couple of hours out of the whole year, we are the people we always hoped to be.” Can we be the “Christmas Eve” version of ourselves all year round?
At Milkandhoneybee.com we believe we can, if we take these 5 simple holiday heartwarming reminders with us daily.
1. Remember, Christmas Morning is Coming!
We are so joyful on Christmas Eve because we know that Christmas Morning is coming. Just like the fulfilling ending in a Hallmark movie, we as Christians know it will all work out in the end.
Most days, we experience the physical stress of being tired, scared, and often alone, but we need to focus on the Kingdom. If we focus on scripture every day, we can be reminded of our eternity and what Jesus did for us.
We must remember this pain, stress, and frustration will not last forever! Let’s keep the words of Pastor Joseph Prince in the back of our minds, “In exchange for all the pain, suffering, lack that are so prevalent in the fallen world, you can look to your Daddy God and confidently expect His blessings of health, provision, and protection. And ultimately, you will get to spend eternity with God in heaven as your home.”
We love this book at MHB.
2. Cherish the time with family and friends.
Next time you’re gathered with friends and family, try to make them feel extra special. Bring out the nice dishes, make grandma’s recipe that you have been too busy to make in years, and afterward, put down the phones and play a game together! As a society, we are so incredibly rushed. We should never be so hurried that we can not make the special people in our lives feel loved by giving our time and attention to one another.
3. A little silliness never hurt anyone!
What does a corny and unrealistic holiday Hallmark movie and a nostalgic sentimental holiday classic have in common?
They just make us feel good! Pay attention to what you watch the rest of the 10 months a year.
Simply, when you are looking for something to watch, go to Philippians 4:8-9 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.”
4. Shop for Christmas all year long.
- Collect ornaments on your travels, whether on vacation or just at the local store.
- Think of your loved ones all year long. When you see a unique item at the farmers market, boutique, or while browsing online, put it aside for them.
- Listen and pay attention to the wants and needs of friends and family to get extra special gifts.
5. Give, Give, Give
This really is the best part of the season. As much as you can, spend time volunteering, giving gifts – even if it’s just your time, and donating to individuals or causes in need. The truth is that our human spirit is bolstered when we give of ourselves to others in service. It’s among the best ways to fill our hearts and give us purpose.
In today’s trying world, we say: bring on the holiday cheer! Try these 5 steps this month and let us know how it changes your heart! Leave us a comment about something you’re doing to usher in the holiday spirit all year long.
