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We all want to enjoy the season and provide great memories for our kiddos. So what’s the secret of how to not be a Grinch Mama This Christmas?
Don’t act like you don’t know what I mean.
If you never get frazzled or stressed to the max during the holidays, then you may need to click away right now. If you are like me and can get a little, um, spun up, then stick around.
The season starts out just fine as you vow to enjoy every minute of transforming your home into a Winter Wonderland, baking the perfect cookies, shopping for unequaled gifts, and looking fabulous in that party dress for all those Christmas parties that you just have to go to.
We all know we shouldn’t compare ourselves to the Pinterest photos and other women {but it happens} and we trudge on, becoming miserable with each passing day.
Sound familiar?
Before you know it, the stress and anxiety is welling up inside of you, wondering how you are going to get it all done, how you are going to have money for it all, and how many pounds you are going to gain before it’s all over.
As an older, uh, more mature Wife & Mama, I have learned a few tips along the way to keep my head on straight and not act like a lunatic. This is a reminder to little ol’ me first and foremost so don’t go thinking I’ve got it all together, honey.
Start the Morning Correctly
Sounds so simple but spending even 5 minutes alone in God’s word before your day begins will make a tremendous difference. Don’t know where to start? I suggest a quick devotional like Live Loved: Experiencing God’s Presence in Everyday Life that will lead you through a study of your relationship with God.
Realize this holiday is not about Your Family
If we could go through the Christmas season with the mindset that this season is not about us, amazing things could happen. I mean, why do we celebrate Christmas anyway? Our family does have a little fun about Santa and the Elf but that’s not our focus.
Christmas is about Jesus’ birth into this world as a Savior for you and me. Let Him be the main focus of how you act, what you read, where you go, and how you spend your time this month, The End.
Your Presence is the Present
Your kiddos may never admit it, especially if they are anywhere near the teen years, but they do want you around. They don’t, however, want a distracted, stressed-out Mama who is running around acting like a crazy woman trying to get the self-imposed “to-do” list done.
They want your undivided attention to know that they matter, that they aren’t a burden, and that you are so thankful for them. Make this time special where you put down the “smart” devices and spend quality time talking and playing as a family.
Eat the Rainbow
Now is the time that you need extra nutrients more than ever. Your body is more tired, stressed, and exposed to flu and cold germs and it needs plenty of whole, real foods to keep up the “wellness” fight. Don’t give up and decide to just eat whatever all month long.
Make sure you eat the rainbow of vibrantly colored fruits and veggies 3-4 times a day {along with healthy meats, fats, beans, and seeds} and drink that water so that when you have the occasional treats, it won’t affect your body too much. Also, we notice a big difference in supplements which help to ensure great health, all year.
Stick to the Budget
Even if you don’t have it all figured out on a ledger about what you plan to spend for whom this year, you know a general dollar amount of what your budget should be, now don’t you?
Ready for this? —> Keep a tally of your spending and don’t spend over that number, The End
Random Acts of Christmas
I think of my friend Kalynn who constantly thinks of others throughout the year, like anonymously paying for the person’s food who is behind her in the drive-thru lane, buying girlie gifts for others to make them feel special, and blessing many kids with thoughtful goodies as her only baby girl lives in heaven now.
We can mimic my friend’s ideas and here are a few more:
- Serve as a family at your local soup kitchen to the homeless
- Spend time with nursing home residents who don’t get visitors throughout the year
- Adopt a child in need to bless now and throughout the year
- Bless those in the military by sending packages to those who can’t come home for Christmas
End Your Day Well
Just hanging out after a long day together with your hubby is a great gift to him. Being intentional to just listen to what he has to say {without chattering too much}, snuggling up while you watch a Christmas movie after the kids are in bed, and being together may be just what he needs too.
Making sure you’ve spent each day to its fullest by pouring into others and living out your purpose will always change your perspective. Getting plenty of rest after each full day of the season will help you to not be a Grinch Mama this year at all. 😉
Do you have other suggestions of how not to be a Grinch Mama this Christmas?
I felt real peach as I read your post. Thanks for bringing to the surface what the real focus should be!
*peace…lol, not peach
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Thanks so much Rebecca, makes my day.
Great thoughts 🙂 I especially like the one about starting the day right…not always done around here, but when it’s done things go MUCH better 🙂
Rachael @ Diamonds in the Rough
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Doesn’t it, Rach. Same for us. Thanks for your kind words. 😉
blessings to you
Yes, let’s not be grinch mamas.
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😉