Minimal but Meaningful-Surviving the Holidays
Just yesterday, we threw away our moldy Halloween pumpkins, and we still have pillowcases full of Snickers and Twizzlers lining the shelves of our pantry.
The shelves at Target, however, are now filled with all things red and green. One little end cap was dedicated to Thanksgiving, and I stopped to pay my respects. I bought a turkey baster and some wooden spoons for my husband, the “holiday foodie,” as if to put a stake in the ground saying, “I see you Thanksgiving, I won’t forget!”
Ready or not, guys, the Christmas season is upon us!
My oldest daughter, who loves all things Christmas, is giddy and over the moon. She has been torturing me with her countdown app since school started. “Mom, did you know there are only 20 more Saturdays ‘til Christmas? “Mom, only 15 more Saturdays!” Today she declared, “Mom, only seven more Saturdays!” This one got my attention, and I had a mini panic attack. Does this happen to you? “Wait just a minute here! I’m not ready! I still have Halloween candy! I just bought a turkey baster for crying out loud!”
I felt the need to plead with Father Time as I pleaded with the nurse about giving me a flu shot. “Wait, wait, wait, I’m not ready!”
I was just hitting my fall stride when someone increased the incline AND the speed on my treadmill, and things began to feel rushed and forced.
I don’t like it when things feel rushed and forced.
Growing up, I don’t remember my mom having a panic attack over the holidays. She appeared to seamlessly transition from one celebration to the next with perfect timing and precision. It felt unique and thoughtful.
Maybe it was simpler back then.
She had no emails to return, no never-ending sporting events to attend, a play to see or be in or volunteer for, a cookie exchange, an ugly sweater party, a company party, a kid’s cookie party, an ornament exchange, light displays and caroling with the church group.
No shopping affairs and crafty bazaars; mandated daily advent calendars and devotions. And then there is gift-wrapping and decorating and baking. Phew, I’m tired!
When I think about it, except for the emails, all these other things were probably candidates for her attention. Still, she chose to keep her commitments and responsibilities minimal and her priorities and traditions meaningful. My mom has told me before, “You make choices and sacrifices, and you simply say, “No” to things that don’t matter.”
Moms give good advice.
Are you already feeling the panic? Are you worried things will get Manic? Maybe not! Good for you!! But this time every year, I think, “Okay, this year will be different.”
This year can be different.
I’m going for Minimal but Meaningful.
What if we brought our family holiday calendars before the Lord and asked Him how we should fill up the squares? Ask Him to show us what doesn’t need to be there. Ask our family what’s important to them and be honest and realistic with ourselves.
Ask your family how they would finish this sentence: It feels like Christmas when we….
Take note of what they say and what they don’t say. It may surprise you. My kids said, “It feels like Christmas when “Mom busts out the Christmas sheets.”
I look forward to our annual Christmas Eve ice skating date with friends. I wouldn’t miss it! For my husband, it’s a simple fire by the Christmas tree.
Where do you shine? What brings life and joy and memories?
Don’t bake if you don’t like it, and don’t throw a big party if you aren’t the party-throwing type. It will suck the life out of you. There are years when I feel the grace (emotionally and financially) for a big fancy party or travel, and some years I want to curl up by the fire and watch TV from beneath a blanket because it has been a trying season or school year. It’s ok and healthy to know the difference and not force or rush things.
My mom never seemed stressed out because she focused on the simple things, things she was good at that brought life and joy, not stress and panic. (“Staying in your lane,” I like to call it.) These things ushered in the spirit of the season and made us feel festive. They made us feel special. The only significant event that took place was the Christmas Eve church service, and we looked forward to it because we weren’t exhausted, over-sugared, and over-stimulated. Everything else was a special little meaningful gesture: a wreath, a cookie jar, a pillow, and candy canes in hot chocolate.
Minimal but Meaningful.
When you’re in the kitchen, sitting by the fire, or tucking little ones into their Christmas sheets, you can purpose to weave the meaning of the season into the things you do and say. Be present for your family. Stress robs you of that. Talk about why we feel the spirit of joy, goodness, kindness, and anticipation miraculously hanging in the air during this season.
Because of Jesus.The awaiting of a King.The hope of Salvation. He did not come with fanfare, bells, whistles, choirs singing, and fireworks exploding overhead. There was just one tired couple and the kindness of a stranger, and a solitary shining star hanging in the night sky. Those who were busy hustling and bustling probably missed it. The Miracle, Emmanuel, wrapped up and hidden in the season. You almost have to slow down to see, feel, and hear; He is with us.
Minimal but Meaningful.