This time of year, I read a bunch of articles and blog posts about keeping things simple. Now I'm all for not overspending or being stressed out but seriously, do you ever just decide that not everything has to be simple - that you are going to make the cookies that take 3 hours? :) Is it ever worth it to throw caution to the wind and go all out? Is there a time of the year where making memories or blessing others trump simplicity? (And I am NOT saying you can't find ways to do those things simply...I'm just submitting an argument for those who might want to be more elaborate.)
I LOVE this time of year. And while I'm glad people feel free to celebrate in different ways, I sometimes find myself feeling guilty for my enjoyment of things not so simple. I'm not looking for ways to simplify. I don't need permission to not do things - I want to do them. We put up 3 Christmas trees, make lots of cookies and candy, send out many cards and letters, welcome 50 or more people into our home for our annual open house and just generally enjoy all things Christmas. :) I don't do this to make others look or feel bad and I don't feel burdened by these things - it is a joy, it is part of my creativity. And I pray they are a blessing to others.
So while everyone is writing about simplicity, I'm writing to say - don't compare yourself and your celebration to others but rather, enjoy the holidays the way you want to. :) It's a wonderful time to reflect on family and friends and focus on the best gift of all - our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
From our Family to Yours...
Wishing you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS
and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I LOVE this time of year. And while I'm glad people feel free to celebrate in different ways, I sometimes find myself feeling guilty for my enjoyment of things not so simple. I'm not looking for ways to simplify. I don't need permission to not do things - I want to do them. We put up 3 Christmas trees, make lots of cookies and candy, send out many cards and letters, welcome 50 or more people into our home for our annual open house and just generally enjoy all things Christmas. :) I don't do this to make others look or feel bad and I don't feel burdened by these things - it is a joy, it is part of my creativity. And I pray they are a blessing to others.
So while everyone is writing about simplicity, I'm writing to say - don't compare yourself and your celebration to others but rather, enjoy the holidays the way you want to. :) It's a wonderful time to reflect on family and friends and focus on the best gift of all - our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
From our Family to Yours...
Wishing you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS
and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
7 comments:
I think it's great to read all the ways people celebrate. We..actually me puts up the decorations, sends out the Christmas cards and purchases all the gifts for the family, friends and clients.
I welcome the quiet and relaxing Christmas dinner that I will spend with my family.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Well stated. A friend and I were just talking about this the other day. Why should those who do things well (she is ultra organized) have to make excuses in order to make others feel more comfortable? She feels guilty when people comment about her gift as though she should hide it or find away to put herself down.
God made us all so very unique and I'm glad that you are not afraid to use your gifts. It's always a blessing to others and keeps you, you.
I love this post! It's so true that we should celebrate how we want to celebrate. Now I only have one child but I LOVE making a big deal at the holidays and creating traditions for us. That's part of the reason why I endeavored to make the disastrous fudge last weekend but at least it was fun!
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family!
Those who should focus on simplifying are those who are complaining about having too much to do surrounding the season. Generally they're so busy with "stuff" they've lost sight of the real reason for christmas and need to cut the "stuff" out.
Those who have things in focus, who know what to do and what not, and who enjoy all the stuff they've chosen to include should do it.
Why should you deprive yourself of the joy of the holiday just because others get stressed out?
You shouldn't.
Good point. I think it's great to have the freedom to do exactly what is most important and enjoyable for you personally, with the resources and time you have, rather than trying to play down or up whatever you're doing and stressing yourself and everyone else out. One year I spent DAYS making elaborate sugar cookies shaped liked camels with tons of those little silver balls etc on them and it was SO fun. This year I gave myself permission (ok, Josh gave me permission after finding me crying in the kitchen late one night!) to bow out of a cookie exchange because I was just doing too much.
Anyway, I'm learning that it's ok even to vary things year to year, and not worry about what other people expect.
Great post! I am one of those who do as much as possible during this season. The only times I need to step back is when I am stressed and losing the reason for the season. But once I regain that--it's full force. :)
Great seeing you and your adorable kiddos.
I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!!!
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