I have never found the Christmas season to be very restful or relaxing. I always love the holidays, but the preparations always make me tired.
Somehow, this year, without meaning to, I have apparently made a very short Christmas to-do list. We’re not making a big, long trip this year, we’re not trying to make Christmas goodies for the entire population, we’re keeping our meals simple, and our living room just holds a small tree and our stockings.
I realized today, after I finished the last of our gift shopping, that this has been the simplest Christmas season I can remember. Shopping online and making very few plans probably has something to do with it.
We look forward to hosting some much adored family members next week, and we look forward to seeing my side of the family after Christmas. We eagerly await celebrating this special day with our boys. This year, we’re celebrating in relaxed fashion.
I love it.
Share how God is working in your life on your blog, then come link up with us here. If you don’t have a blog, be sure to leave a comment letting us know what you’re grateful for!
If you are linking up a blog post for Gratituesday,
please copy and paste the following sentence into your post! Thanks!Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!
Tracy says
Me, too! I am ALWAYS stressed out around Christmas, but this year we have whitled our “to do” list way back as well. It has been lovely. It also could be that our kids are not babies anymore. They are 3 and 6. This is the first year that I feel like I can breathe and just enjoy this time for what it is, a time to celebrate the birth of our savior. I hope that you and your family continue to enjoy this season!
Sara Shay says
Thanks. Look forward to reading the posts!
Nicole Stoddard says
Online shopping is a life-saver with two kids under 3 and one car, with a hubby who works two jobs. Plus, I don’t care for the lines!
Jill Roper says
I love it when I hear someone else trying to have a peaceful Christmas. Frankly this year it is very tough to get into the Christmas spirit. I wouldn’t mind if it just fast forwarded to 2012. I am so very thankful that God continues to provide for our needs and even some of our wants. Blessed be the name of the Most High God.
Allyson @ A Heart for Home says
We’re really being intentional about not being stressed out this year as well. We are traveling (meeting extended family at a rental cabin) so that is where the majority of our stress is involved. We’ve kept our decorating extremely simple (not even a tree this year) and I’m staying home making most of our gifts. Not having to bundle all four kids up and go from store to store is wonderful!
Amy Bradsher says
I try to keep Christmas simple but somehow it always snowballs on me. Sounds like you have it down!
Adrienne @ Whole New Mom says
We have probably scaled down Christmas too much – and don’t even know if we are having anyone over this year.
I am sharing a post that fits your theme – Whole Health At Christmas.
Blessings,
Adrienne
Rachel says
Laura – I can totally relate! Hubby and I decided not to buy gifts for each other this year (a first!), and I have to say…it’s made things so much more simple and given me much more time to ENJOY the holidays!
Tiffani says
Us too! It really doesn’t have to be elaborate to be special. “Less is more”
Enjoy!
Amy @ Finer Things says
“Seeing my side of the family after Christmas…” does that mean you’ll be traveling? And if so, *I’m* family, right?! ;)
Laura says
Oh yes, you’re totally family. :) I’ll email you when I know more details about when and how long we’ll be there.
DorthyM says
I so need to whittle my list down. The holidays, especially Christmas, always throws me into a tizzy. I don’t even have my tree up yet! But I do enjoy the simple things.
Sara says
I have been pretty grinch-y the last couple of years – especially because of all the “have-tos” that were put on the list for me. This year I had wonderful quiet time with the Lord in early November and asked Him to help me enjoy the parts of this season that truly bring him joy, and to have the courage to let the rest slide. So far, I am really enjoying Advent and the reminder of “God with Us”. Things are simpler, but we are doing is enjoyed more fully.
Malinda says
I was just thinking the same thing this morning. It has been a pretty quiet and stress-free Christmas season so far. I have done 3/4 of my shopping online and have cut back how many gifts we give as a family. I also am not baking for tons of people like I have in the past.
Thank you for such a wonderful and encouraging blog.
You have helped me grow and been a source of inspiration.
May He bless you & your precious family this Christmas season!
Under His Wings,
Malinda
Elisabeth@Lizzy's Nest says
Our family has made the decision not to celebrate Christmas this year. It is very freeing and we are enjoying all the wonderful things about the colder weather without all the stress of Christmas. I wrote a post about why we are not celebrating Christmas on my blog. http://lizzysnest.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-more-christmas.html
It sounds like many people are starting to simplify things this year. I for one, am thankful for the peace that simplifying brings.
Mayra says
Me too! I really don’t have big plans…just enjoy the holiday with my parents, husband and kids. What else can I ask for? There’s no budget for big gifts, so the Lord put us in a position to just enjoy Him!
Kelly @ The Nourishing Home says
So glad you’ll be having a relaxing CHRISTmas this year! Thank you for all the wonderful inspiration you provide! You are a blessing! In Him, Kelly
Elizabeth Goertzen says
My husband and I don’t have any kids yet so the holidays never feel too busy and stressful…yet. I look forward to the day when our life will be a little more stressful because of the kids!