If anyone is actually reading this blog, you might be excused for giving up on it by now. 😉 Having lost most of the active bloggers is a good reason for SOME delay, but not a good excuse for ALL the posts being halted, and I am sorry for that. If you think that this effort is worthwhile, I would appreciate hearing from you in the next couple of months.
Meanwhile, the Christmas season is upon us. Usually this is a very happy part of the year for children, even if the presents need to be limited, due to financial tightness — a place we all are right now. But, there are Christmas parades and concerts and recitals and “Dickens of a Christmas”, not to mention all of the special things that happen with church and family at this time. Also, they usually get several weeks off — what’s not to love? as my daughter would say. It is times like this in which the most lovely memories are made, with family traditions and just plain ol’ time together.
For you moms who may be reading, let me encourage you to PLAN on having a good time, too. That doesn’t mean that you won’t have still a lot of work to do. What it DOES mean is that you will craft your plans so that you don’t try to do too much. Try to ensure that the things you want to accomplish will be done far enough in advance so that you will be able to enjoy all the family times too, even though the baby needs attention and other odd things will happen to distract you. Planning to finish up in time means that you can absorb that meltdown by child #3 without melting down yourself.
Practically, you can make meals ahead and freeze them — that church supper that comes at an awkward time for you will already be taken care of. Work hard to finish your shopping and wrapping before Christmas Eve [if you do that] — you will be so glad that week ahead as you enjoy time with the kids, BOTH anticipating that fun time. If you don’t have a special ministry at Christmas, think about it, and see if you and the kids can’t find a way to help someone else. Seeing someone else’s needs in the midst of our plenty is a powerful lesson for little ones.
In the midst of all of that fun and excitement, thank God often for your sweet family, and for all He has done in your life thus far. May you have a blessed Christmas 2013!
