What to Do Next Year for Christmas (Note to Self Part Two)

Next Christmas will be different. Why? Because I will read this entry and listen to my own advice. Hopefully... I want to do what really matters and reject what doesn't. I want to get it right, be a blessing, and not miss opportunities to strengthen relationships with my husband, kids, friends, family, neighbors, and those I have yet to meet. In an attempt to make that happen, this is my brainstorm list of what I'd like to do different, or what I have done that I need to do more. Ok, here goes!

1. Play games with the kids. Board games, card games, silly games.

2. Teach them to give gifts. Include them.

3. Sponsor a local family in need.

4. Sponsor a child or family in need from another country. Write letters to them. (i.e. Comapssion International, etc.)

5. Decorate the house more. We really do enjoy that. Put lights up outside, set up the village, put little Christmas-y things here and there throughout the house. It makes every room cozy and inviting. BTW, we have enough stuff, this does NOT mean buy more decorations, except maybe green garland and white lights for outside. Also, send a Christmas letter, and a picture. Be real.

6. If I don't listen to my own advice and DO bake cookies, give them all away before Christmas. I will not need them for the holidays. There really will be plenty. Let it go...

7. Visit friends and family.

8. Rather than buy gifts for our immediate family, take a vacation. We will not remember what we got a year later, but we remember vacations and so seldom get to take them.

9. Look for opportunities to bless others. Outreach rather than inreach!

10. Finally, remember the one we are celebrating. Spend more time, not less in worship, prayer, and the Word. Cultivate intimacy with Jesus over the holiday, He will definitely make it worth the time.

May God richly bless you with His presence this coming year. Merry Christmas!