Who’s With Me – I’m Going to Jingle

Okay so I’m not literally going to jingle.

Have you ever noticed the expression on a three year old’s face when they sing Jingle Bells complete with jingling percussive accompaniment? Priceless smiles and joy-filled enthusiasm!

Now I know you have looked at your calendar and realized that Christmas is l just a couple of days away. There is a lump in your throat and a feeling of panic beginning to settle over you. Relax! I’m here to share a secret I wish I had learned years ago. You may or may not believe me, it all depends upon how you are wired. I wouldn’t have believed me back when I was trying to be “Super-mom” and do it all!

My secret . . . jingle!

Don’t worry if you don’t get every little thing done. Have fun!!

Cookie Baking – Does it really matter if you only bake four kinds of cookies and you don’t have time to bake eight. Buy a dozen or two. No one will care. Their favorite will taste just as good if you bake it in January as a special surprise.

Gift Giving – Are you scrambling because you have six presents for Suzie and only five for Jimmy? You know they are keeping count! Save one of Suzie’s presents for Epiphany and shop the sales for one more gift for Jimmy. They’ll love an extra present on January 6th! You might want to consider keeping a gift closet that you fill with treasures all year long. It’s helpful when you need a last minute gift for an unexpected exchange.

Christmas Cards – I gave myself permission to stop sending them years ago. I only mail a few to family members out of town. I hug the people I see on a regular basis, and email or FB the rest. I have friends who send out Epiphany cards, or Valentine’s cards, even Easter cards. Who says your annual card has to be sent in December?

Christmas Decorating – Each year I question whether or not I will decorate, and I always break down and do it anyway. If I didn’t I wouldn’t know what to write for HomeGoods Openhouse! 😉 I enjoy Christmas decorations and know I would miss them if I avoided them one year. Now I put them up a little earlier and I don’t use as many. Both of these decisions help me “jingle.”

Parties – Holiday gatherings for a family of four or five, even a couple, can get overwhelming. Calendars are filled by the end of October, and when that last minute invitation arrives . . . Aggghhh!! Relax! It’s okay if you can’t attend them all. Sit down as a family and plan your calendar, with the rule that everyone will spend at least one or two nights a week at home together. Sure the kids will protest, but those will be the nights they remember when they are grown and have families of their own.

That’s my list! Are you ready to “jingle” with me!

Let’s make today the day we start anticipating Jesus Birthday Celebration like a three year old – with a priceless smile and joy-filled enthusiasm!

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:10-11

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