I look at a blank screen today and wonder what to write about the week before Christmas again. I’ve written about this week for thirteen years and decided to dig into the archives. I chose a tad from many articles and summarized what remains relevant. Ponder these thoughts as we prepare for Jesus’ 2023 birthday party.
Listed with no order of importance:
Give more smiles and buy less stuff.
Expect nothing and enjoy everything.
Reach out to people who are going through hard times.
Say, “I love you,” to those you love.
Love yourself.
Phone or text counseling services if you’re overwhelmed or depressed.
Make a holy day and not a hollow day.
Prioritize—NO is a complete sentence. Exhausted, cross, and sad is not the goal.
Buy the gift you want so you are not disappointed if someone else doesn’t buy it.
If you are a Christian, Christmas is a time for Jesus.
For everyone, it can be a time of joy and goodness.
Emotions from Christmas traditions, songs, and twinkling lights are the most valuable.
Slow down and take in what you see, smell, taste, touch, and hear.
Receive and return as many hugs as possible.
Remember, the holidays are difficult for many—especially those who are alone,
Visiting nursing homes is worth your time; residents love cheery smiles.
Remember Christmases past: The time my sister drove 300 miles and couldn’t make the last 30 to my home because of a blizzard; the transparent plastic triangles my mother carefully saved each year to press onto the door windows because it looked like leaded glass; the popcorn balls my grandmother made for her dozens of grandchildren; painting Christmas cards with grandchildren; the hysterical laughter during white elephant exchanges; remembering where and who as I bring each ornament from the box; scavenger hunts to find our gifts; the congregation singing Silent Night by candlelight; my friend getting the roller skates I wanted; playing Santa at 2:00 a.m.; grabbing every blanket and coat so the family could ride on the hay wagon (or firetruck) and sing to the neighbors; using leverage to have well-behaved children; the tradition of all handmade gifts; childhood traditions; the last Christmas with my parents; making and gifting candy; finding a Jolly Santa to visit the house; and, of course, Christmas mornings.
I have no other thoughts. That means it’s on you to make a great day with super memory potential. Remember—let people you care about know how you feel.
I do have one additional suggestion: Share memories of past Christmases. They will put a smile under your sparkling eyes.
Until the next time: Live while you live.
Jennifer Goble, Ph.D., LPC, is the author of “My Clients…My Teachers,” and the blogger and writer of Rural Women Stories: www.ruralwomenstories.com.
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