The days are flying by. Isn’t that always the way it is mid-December?
Part of the problem is, that list.
Whether on paper or just in our head, it stretches long, all the things we need to do, want to do and have to do before Christmas. My list wakes me before sun-up and tries to steal my quiet-time. It’s incessant nagging takes joy from whatever I’m doing during the day, making me feel like I need to hurry and check off the next thing. If I’m not careful, before I know what’s happening, Christmas is boiled down to a pesky to-do list.
But I’m being careful this year my friends.
This year, I’m choosing well.
While there’s nothing wrong with my to-do list, when it starts to overwhelm, I find it helps to ask myself why I’m celebrating in the first place. The answer to that question can quickly reorder my priorities…
In the first chapter of this series, (HERE) I talked about naming the reasons we celebrate. For me, those it’s faith and family.
Like lines on the road, these two things keep me from being all over the place during the Christmas season. 
When I feel pulled with 20 things to do in one day, I can move through those 20 things, asking myself if they help me focus on my faith or my family.
Is another shopping trip going to be the best use of my time? Maybe I could do the rest of my shopping online.
Do I really need to send out 75 Christmas cards? Perhaps cutting down or even not sending cards this year would be better…
How many different desserts so I really need to make for our family party this weekend?
Will that perfect table full of ten sweet treats and me feeling slightly exhausted make my family feel more loved…or would a simple table with a few treats and me feeling peaceful be better?
It’s all about choosing well my friends…
I’m taking a few minutes to revisit my to-do list with the filter of faith and family…
Some things won’t make the cut…
But that’s ok, because while Christmas doesn’t mean the same things to everyone…
One thing I know for sure…
Christmas is not a contest…
I’d love to hear how you’re choosing well in these last 10 days before Christmas..And, these photos are obviously Christmas on the porch 🙂
And thanks to Bella (the pup) who helped me take the photos…
This is Chapter 9 in my series:
All Things Home for the Holidays
Finding inspiration for what matters most this holiday season
Gail Williams says
December 14, 2015 at 7:06 amRobin…..what a wonderful reminder to stay focused on what is most important!!!!!
Love the porch. It is so inviting….You are the greatest. Have a great Monday….and
Merry Christmas! Gail
Dianntha says
December 14, 2015 at 8:43 amLove your porch and your ideas to bring meaning in a more simplistic way!
Jennifer says
December 14, 2015 at 11:46 amI really needed this reminder to focus on the important things and not my list. Being a full-time working mom this year (versus part-time last & stay-at-home before that) has really affected my attitudes and desires for this holiday. It’s time to slow down, remember “this is the day the Lord has made” and focus on what this season is truly about.
And your Christmas porch is just beautiful!
Happy Monday,
Jennifer
Glenis says
December 14, 2015 at 10:37 pmLove the porch Robin….that is probably where I would stay about 85% of the time….with your sweet Bella too…lol! I was struggling getting all my Christmas decorating done. Til last Wednesday…I looked around, picked out my favorite things, and putting the rest away, said, hey I’m done…looks good enough, simple enough and I’m enjoying the rest of this season of Love. It is about making those extremely important choices…faith and family!
Merry Christmas
Glenis
Chrystal says
December 15, 2015 at 6:34 amRobin, I love your porch. It looks so peaceful. Would love to sit there and have my morning coffee. Thank you for the reminders of what Christmas is all about. It is now time to relax and enjoy!
Robin says
December 16, 2015 at 7:07 amChrystal…let’s do it! Let’s relax and enjoy my friend xo Sending love~
Elaine arent says
December 15, 2015 at 8:10 amI love the porch. Every thing on our porch has to be secured from wind and snow. This year we are giving all the kids a small gift and gift cards. That alleviated a major stress. With everyone being here for Christmas I’m so excited. No babies yet maybe next year. Keeping busy helping at the church catering and being in charge of a few events helps me to stay focused. May you have a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy your family and may you have good health in the new year. Keep posting I look forward to seeing them. Your friend Elaine
Robin says
December 16, 2015 at 7:06 amSounds like a blessed Christmas Elaine…Sending you love and prayers for a wonderful season xo
Gina says
December 15, 2015 at 10:53 amSuch lovely words and thoughts Robin. Porch too. 😉
Robin says
December 16, 2015 at 7:05 amThanks you Gina~ Merry Christmas friend xo
Vicky says
December 15, 2015 at 12:22 pmI’m so surrendered this year to little bits and pieces I can get done. A little shopping, a very late Christmas card- but a completed one that will go out when it goes out. A meal planned, presents in the mail, cookies delivered by friends. Whatever it looks like, we’ll be together and celebrate our tiny moments and I pray we see through the same kind of lens- one of faith, yes, family, yes, and a sprinkling of hope for good measure! Love your beautiful message, sweet one!
Robin says
December 16, 2015 at 7:04 amVicky…surrendered…what a word- a perfect word for this season. Sending you love my dear friend and prayers for God to cover you and yours with His Presence today xo
Lee Gordon says
December 15, 2015 at 2:09 pmGood things to remember, Robin. My knee went out this year and it has slowed me down considerably. I try to show my friends and family love in different ways now…a card I can write from home, a gift ordered on-line, a meal I can make sitting in my kitchen. I too have a bad habit of letting my busyness keep me from time with my Lord, but I try to remember that He is with me always and that all I have to do is think of Him and He and I have communion. I pray your season is extra especially blessed because of your willingness to examine the purpose of your celebrations. Blessings to you and yours!
Robin says
December 16, 2015 at 7:02 amLee, I hope you are on the road to recovery my friend and thank you for the prayers…I pray your holidays would be full of God moments – sending love xo
Laurie says
December 15, 2015 at 11:26 pmI love your porch and this post. I just took three things off my list, thanks to you! I put a little tree on my porch last year for the first time and this year I had so much fun decorating my porch, I barely got the house decorated.
Robin says
December 16, 2015 at 6:59 amLaurie, I’ve taken things off of my list too! One or two more may get the axe today! I’m going to choose joy throughout this season xo Happy Christmas my friend xo