Nothing quite gets me in the Christmas spirit like my first red cup from Starbucks.
As I was sipping on my Grande Skinny Peppermint Mocha in the parking lot of Costco this morning my mind thought back to last year’s controversy related to said non festive red cup of Christmas cheer.
The holidays can bring out the worst in people. Getting revved up about a flippin’ coffee cup, causing unnecessary drama on Facebook, bad attitudes at the mall/airport/grocery store, family squabbles, the list goes on.
Not this year friends.
I’m taking back my Christmas and I invite you to say no with me to Christmas craziness.
Here’s how I’m doing it.
- Spread kindness and grace like glitter.
Think about all of the things and baggage going on in your life that no one knows about.
Those people who drive you crazy? They have stuff going on in their life too that you have no idea about.
Those people who drive you crazy? They have stuff going on in their life too that you have no idea about.
Give grace and be kind because you haven’t walked in their shoes. Worried it won’t be reciprocated?
As Mother Teresa said, “It was never between you and them, it’s between you and God.”
As Mother Teresa said, “It was never between you and them, it’s between you and God.”
- Do at least one act of service every day.
It doesn’t have to be anything big.
- Let someone go in front of you at the checkout line.
- Give your parking spot to someone who hasn’t been waiting as long.
- Pay for the car behind you in the drive thru line.
Doing something for someone else expecting nothing in return is the greatest way to lift your spirits.
- Expect something (or someone) to be crazy (and it might be you at times)
Take a deep breath, pull out your essential oils, immediately name three things you’re thankful for, go to the bathroom to play some candy crush. Get some fresh air outside.
We all get overwhelmed at times and taking a short calculated break from the madness can make all the difference.
We all get overwhelmed at times and taking a short calculated break from the madness can make all the difference.
- Practice gratitude
Your Christmas plans might look different than you wanted. Your house isn’t as full, people are missing from your dinner table, or maybe your life isn't where you expected it would be.
It’s easy to get caught up in the “remember when” syndrome but living in the past is a sure fire way to miss this year’s blessings.
It’s easy to get caught up in the “remember when” syndrome but living in the past is a sure fire way to miss this year’s blessings.
- Smiling's my favorite. (~Buddy the Elf)
Isaac Newton once said, “For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction.”
For anyone who travels to their hometown during the holidays this means someone (usually many) will ask you the very personal questions you wish they wouldn’t:
“Are you dating anyone?”
“Are you still living with your parents?”
“Has he proposed yet?”
“Are you pregnant?”
“When are you having kids?”
and the even more awkward follow up, “Well why not?”
These questions will always come up and for most part people don’t mean any harm by asking them. Just nod and smile back. We can’t control what other people do we can only control our reaction.
- Remember what the Christmas season is about….Christ
A few weeks ago I was listening to my *NSYNC Christmas album and their a capella version of “O Holy Night” came on. It’s beautiful guys...you should definitely add it to your collection if you haven’t already.
“A thrill of hope,
the weary soul rejoices,
for yonder breaks,
a new and glorious morn.”
My hometown pastor Dr. Cameron challenged his congregation to come up with a word for 2017. The word I chose is “Hope.”
I don’t know about you but 2016 has left me feeling weary. There has been so much going on in our world; health issues, fractured relationships, the passing of loved ones, layoffs, wildfires, a divisive election...I could go on and on.
That song reminded me that the Christmas season and the birth of Christ brings the hope for:
- healing to our sickness
- reconciliation to our broken relationships
- the promise of heaven to reunite with our loved ones
- security in our identity through Him amidst the uncertainty of job loss
- rain to put out the fires
- the belief greater days are still in front of us no matter who occupies our highest political office.
May your Christmas season and 2017 be filled with the THRILL OF HOPE no matter what your circumstances are.
I had this sign made from OurHobbyToYourHome (they also did one for my wedding).
Now every morning when I get coffee, I'm reminded of my word for next year.
Now every morning when I get coffee, I'm reminded of my word for next year.
Merry Christmas ya’ll!
