Merry Christmas
When You’re Not In The Holiday Spirit: That’s Ok!
It’s almost December. Like, tomorrow. I really truly want to be in the Holiday spirit, but today. . . I’m not feeling it.
My husband is out of town.
I’m tired.
I miss my family.
I miss my friends.
We’ve had 6 different illnesses run through the family in one month, and it’s looking like this winter is going to be a rough one.
And, I’m just weary from waiting on God. I’ve been processing this waiting period, and it just doesn’t make sense. Maybe it never will?
So, you know what? I’m just going to let myself feel all the feels.
If there’s one thing that I’ve learned in life, it’s this: Feel All the Feels.
Let yourself think about the frustrating things. Be sad that life doesn’t look the way you planned. Feel hopeful for the future. Laugh at the funny things in life, and allow yourself to have fun. Feel happy, when you find joy in something. . .
It’s when you hold those things back, that you’re not being your true self.
And, just remember to not camp out in one space for too long. If you’re mad or angry for too long, you run the risk of only thinking negative. And, if you pretend to be happy, when you’re not- and you shove those feelings down. . . They’ll find a way out.
That doesn’t mean you have to display every emotion, publicly.
But, allow yourself, and love yourself enough, to process those feelings, privately- or with a trusted person!
If you’re also not feeling the Holiday spirit, today. . . I’m sending you love. Know that you’re not alone. This world needs you.
21 Days of Christmas
In 2020, I wrote a “21 Days of Christmas” series. I want to bring that back this year!
November and December can be tough months. While some see the holidays in a cheery and festive light, others may not. Feeling the weight of the world, feeling sad and lonely, feeling loss. These last two months of the year can have the opportunity to bring hope to others.
We can do that by spreading kindness, patience, and love.
Follow along with me and spread some hope and cheer this Holiday season!
Family Traditions
This time of year, I start reminiscing on the fall and winter traditions we have.
In October, we celebrate birthdays. We dress up on Halloween. We carve pumpkins. Some years, we go trick-or-treating, other years, we go to fall festivals. But, we always dress up on Halloween.
In November and December, we celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. No matter where we are, or who we are celebrating with, we always try to do something fun together, as a family. A lot of times, this includes glow stick dance parties at night. Or just extra family movie nights, watching holiday movies.
I’ve learned that no matter what- it’s important to add in some fun!
What are some holidays you celebrate? What traditions do you have?
21 Days of Christmas: Days 8-15
Well, I lost track of time this past week, with it being the week of Christmas, and didn’t keep up with the 21 Days of Showing Kindness through Christmas, and into the New Year.
If you’re like me, you can get off track, and start again when you can! The goal is to keep going, even when you have to take a short break. . .
With that, here we go!
Day 8- Bring someone joy by painting a rock, and hide it somewhere in your community for someone to find.
Day 9- Leaving encouraging post-it notes in random places. Maybe at your work, the grocery store. Get creative!
Day 10- if you go out to eat, find out when your favorite restaurant has their weekly special. Order off of the special menu. Your bill will be lower. But don’t stop there! Leave a larger tip than you would normally be able to for your waiter, with an encouraging note on the receipt!!
Day 11- bring someone their favorite drink and snack!
Day 12- when you’re grateful for something that someone has done. Tell them “thank you”, and why you are glad they are in your life.
Day 13- compliment someone. Did they do a great job at work? Did they take out the trash? Did they go above and beyond? Did they show up? Let them know you noticed!
Day 14- bring the people in your office breakfast. Donuts, anyone?!
Day 15-going through the drive through? pay for the next person in line’s coffee. If you can only lend a small amount- that’s ok. Ask the barista if someone has ordered with the amount you can give, or pay towards someone’s order!
Times can be rough. Just remember to keep spreading the kindness!!
21 Days of Christmas: Day 7
You know that neighbor that gets under your skin? Their yard needs mowing. They leave the trash can at the end of their driveway too long. The list could go on and on.
Is it possible that they have a lot on their plate right now? Maybe they’re dealing with anxiety or depression. Maybe they have a newborn. Maybe a loved one is in the hospital. Maybe they are a single parent. Who knows what they are going through!
So, for Day 7- kindly reach out to them. Get to know them, sincerely. You’ll learn their story, and about who they are. Offer a helping hand, show up and let them know you care. Maybe help them by bringing in their trash can for them. Maybe mow their front yard for them. Do something to show you care. It could be a surprise, if you already know them well enough to know they’d appreciate the gesture. Or you could offer a helping hand, before doing so, if you don’t know them all that well.
Acts of service are a great way to show kindness this season!
21 Days of Christmas: Day 6
During this next week, sometimes people get so focused on the things we “need” to do to get ready for the Holidays that we often forget to think of others. Instead of rushing through your to-do list. Slow down and smile.
Today, smile at that person next to you in line at the store. Smile at the person who cut you off. Smile at the person who huffed at you. Smile at the person who is flustered. Smile at the person whose kids are acting crazy in the store.
And no- don’t be sarcastic with it. Give ‘em a genuine smile. Let them know that you see them. Extend that grace! Just smile.
21 Days of Christmas: Day 5
Today, get your kids, family, friends, and roommates (basically wherever you are in life) in on spreading the kindness.
Bake some cookies, and take them to someone who needs their spirits lifted!
Don’t bake?! That’s ok! You’re local grocery store has some pre-made for ya!
21 Days of Christmas: Day 4
Our acts of kindness and compassion can bring hope to other people, chipping away at the anger and hardness in their hearts.
People go through so much. Often times, people need just a little bit of grace and love.
All too often, we are reallly hard on people on social media. Hiding behind the screen, it’s easy to call people trolls and snowflakes.
But, what if, we just kept on scrolling. People spend hours a day arguing with strangers on the internet. And I truly don’t understand why. I can guarantee that arguing with each other on social media isn’t going to change anyone’s mind.
So, for Day 4- let’s bypass that strangers comment. Just keep on scrolling if we disagree- or at least be kind in our conversations with strangers on the internet.
After all, we don’t know what other people are going or have been through. They just may need an extra dose of kindness today!
21 Days of Christmas: Day 3
I don’t know about you, 9x out of 10, if I’m in a hurry- my hands are full with kids in tow.
Most places I go, now, have automatic doors, curbside, or drive through. That’s because I tend to frequent places that help make life a little easier.
However, there was a time that I had: my large bag, a baby bag, and 1, 2, or 3 kids.
And, I don’t know if you’ve ever had your hands full, when a stranger holds a door open for you. . . But it’s small things, like holding a door open where people find hope in humanity.
So, for Day 3- Let’s do it. Hold open that door, wish them a great day, and smile!
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