Each day during The PURSE-onality Challenge: "A Holiday-Ready Heart" in October, Untangling Christmas by Karen Ehman and LeAnn Rice, will be our give-away prize!
Responding to last week's comments, I was struck by the fact that December 25 is the only day of the year when we attempt so much, expect so much, and often need so much in a 24-hour period!
We have this extraordinary list of things we “have” to do. The time-frame is completely unrealistic. But we judge ourselves on how well we accomplish the impossible.
For me, this insistence on “doing the same thing over and over again each holiday but expecting different results” results, ever-so-predictably, in temporary insanity.
There has to be a better way.
So now there is no condemnation
for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
And because you belong to Him,
the power of the life-giving Spirit
has freed you from the power of sin
that leads to death.
Romans 8:1-2 (NLT)
Christ’s birth was meant to bring life-giving freedom, not keep us in the death-grip of bondage.
So here, in no particular order, are
14 Ways to Enjoy "Free" Holy-Days!
1. Commit to a “baditude”-free attitude. I may or may not be free to choose where I go, when I arrive, who I see, or what I do. But I am free to surrender my attitude to God and focus on gratitude.2. Break free from anyone else’s standards of “the perfect holiday ______.” For example, our family photo. Last year, I was still concerned about “maintaining appearances” and sent the “my-what-a-lovely-family-we-are” card you see above.
I wish I’d sent (or at least been brave enough to include) the bottom “glad-to-see-the-Gregorys-are-as-quirky-as-ever!” photo instead.
3. Explore the idea of going gift-free this year. Or perhaps re-gifting only. Or hand-made gifts using supplies we already have. Instead of relying on credit, reach for creativity!
4. Consider freedom from the constraints of December 24 or 25. Kimberlee’s family celebrates on “3 King's Day, January 6, and is usually able to save $ because the gifts are post-Christmas clearance.”
5. Create gift-giving categories that free everyone from shopping stress. Leesa’s family gives “something thet want, something they need and something to read. The fourth gift is a game for all to share. The three gift rule helps keep things from getting out of hand.”
6. Enjoy this free Focus on the Family radio broadcast: “Redeeming the Season” with Pam McCune and Kim Wier!
7. Get ideas for breaking free of commercialization. Check out Bill McKibben’s challenging concept: Hundred Dollar Holiday––the Case for a More Joyful Holiday.
8. Review a full week of "Redeeming Christmas" with Prairie Girl: #1 and #3 are especially freeing (at least to me!)
9. Set your children free from the "holiday-guilt game". I love Jennifer's intentionality now: "Establish some family traditions that are ours, and maybe a bit unconventional because we know that when our sons grow up they will have their inlaws to consider and we will need to have alternate plans for the years they don't come "home" for Christmas, or if they, like us, choose to take the day to spend with their wives and children."
10. Delegate. Do not "do it all". Great idea from Sarah R: "If having dinner at your house, make the main dish yourself and have everyone commit to bringing a side dish/dessert instead of doing it all yourself. That will free up a lot of time and stress."
11. Keep worn-out parents free from "kid melt-downs." Keep children on a semi-schedule, with non-sweet meals, snacks, naps, and routine. This is one of the best pieces of advice I have ever received. (Leesa C)
12. Find free (or mostly free) family activities: looking for lights, drinking hot chocolate with peppermint stir sticks while playing games, allowing the boys to decorate their rooms with tinsel on greenery and nonbreakable ornaments, and the boys making gifts to give to one another. (Leesa C)
13. "My free-from thing this year is working on being free from other's expectations of what our personal family Christmas should be like. We have an enjoy our own traditions, some that others find un-important or silly. We are also untraditional in some ways. I am going to let the comments, well meaning or not, go this year." (Leesa C)
14. Bless by request. "We draw names and have a determined price. It is so much easier than trying to buy for everyone! Also, I ask what they want so I get them something they really like or need." (Arlene F)
15. Liberate via limits. "After many years of buying gifts for 30+ family members, we made the decision to cut it down to our own children, parents, and younger nieces and nephews. In its place, we started taking part in Operation Christmas Child. There is something that makes it so special knowing that you are picking out items that a child can use and appreciate. This one decision to make our Christmas list more manageable has been so liberating and we are able to enjoy the time leading up to Christmas." (Lori)
Feel "Free" to Contribute
Now that I’ve started the list, I need your help finishing it!
In the comments, share one (or more!) idea(s) for greater freedom this season. I’ll update this blog post over the upcoming days.
(Don't stop just because we've reached 14...I’d love to hit 44! :-)
Your Turn!
- What holiday “freebies” can you recommend? (Leave links to great blog posts, articles, downloads, etc.!)
- What freedoms have you claimed for yourself and/or your family during the holidays?
- What other ways of being “free” this holiday season can you think of?
- Anything else on your heart!
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