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Christmas Calculations – Celebrate with Margin

Holidays

3 Dec

As we deck the halls, former procrastinators, let’s think through our approach to celebrating Christmas.  Our December theme is Celebrate with Margin.  Margin is a stress buster – and we need a lot of that this month.

During the holidays, procrastination-prone folks tend to put off what needs doing, then rush to cram it in.  Or, in the “spirit of Christmas” we accept too much responsibility.  Or, we have grand ideas of what we’ll do.  We feel like failures if we don’t cross stitch all ten stockings and we inflict pain on others sometimes if we do – but whew, we got it done.

Margin is especially important during this season.  Rushing steals Christmas joy and blurs the focus on Jesus. Margin means allowing extra time for tasks and more time between tasks. There will be moments of madness and days with extra pressure, but those do not have to characterize our celebration. The Lord is better exalted when we reflect Hs peace and purpose as we observe His coming.

To help us do what needs doing when it needs doing – and relieve stress – we can calculate the number of days we actually have to work on Christmas preparations.  My tally: 9.   I actually have only 9 Christmas prep days between now and Christmas Eve when the first Arrival comes in.  There are many more days, but they are not available for Christmas preparations.  Imagine my frustration if I hadn’t discovered that!

I’ll have to choose priorities and focus on those.  Such calculations are an application of Psalm 90:12.  “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”    It is wise to do less and enjoy more.  It’s wise to build in margin.

Project:  Calculate how many days you actually have to work on Christmas.

  • Write down all the things you want and/or need to do.  Highlight the priorities.  Make a reasonable estimate of the time required to accomplish each thing.
  • Literally count the days between now and your Christmas celebration.
  • Then, as far as you can tell, count the useable work days.  These will be fewer than the total.  I have learned to omit Sundays, days with sizeable commitments, days with appointments requiring lots of driving, etc.  (Using small bits of time is smart, but be realistic about the hours available to you.  Build in margin; avoid disappointment and frustration.)
  • Is the number of days/time available to you sufficient for all you desire?  Adjust by choosing to focus on priorities.  Eliminate some activities. Avoid putting yourself – and others – in a bind.  Allow margin for winter weather, illness, shipping time, etc.  Do not plan tightly.  Do less, enjoy more.

The tree, gift giving, yummy once-a-year treats, special events, reading together, focusing on Jesus all become more enjoyable – and doable – when there is margin.  Time for Him.  Time for the people in our lives.

How many Christmas work days do you calculate having?

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4 Comments

« A Generous Spirit – Does Procrastination Block Yours?
Go, Give, Gather – Celebrate with Margin »

Comments

  1. Viki says

    December 3, 2018 at 8:25 am

    Even though we know this, it is so very helpful to read it! I tell myself each and every year to enjoy family, enjoy the celebration of the savior! God’s son brings light and life…………If we allow it. I remember being so determined to get ” all the Christmas decorations out and the trees decorated, and all the stuff cooked, and all the presents bought “, ……that i was putting the “reason for the season” to the side. That’s why those particular christmases were not the best ones. thank you for your reminder!

    Reply
    • Beth Sterne says

      December 3, 2018 at 5:15 pm

      Thank you, Viki. Counting actual workdays is like a splash of cold water reality for me. Guess that’s because I’m inclined to think I can do more than is really possible.

      Reply
  2. Hedy says

    December 3, 2018 at 8:50 am

    Beth, after a good meal we often say: “That hit the spot!”
    Well, Today, your “Christmas Calculations” writing hit the spot for me.
    Thank you for your encouragement to avoid putting myself and others in a bind — see the 4th point of your “Project” section.
    It is the busiest season of the year for most of us and your writing was again a friendly and faithful early-monday-morning reminder to keep our focus on the real reason for the season: not the trees and the tinsel but the birth of our Savior. As the angel said: “You shall call his name jesus, for He will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

    Reply
  3. Beth Sterne says

    December 3, 2018 at 5:19 pm

    Thanks, Hedy. I’ve done it the other way too many times. I’m learning!

    Reply

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BETH STERNE
Welcome! It's great to have you here. I'm a follower of Christ and a learner of new ways. By His grace, I am gaining victory over procrastination. This is where I share struggles I face and lessons I'm learning. Join me and other sisters as we put off procrastination and put on peace.

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"Beth’s procrastination talk led me to understand procrastination as a heart issue in need of God’s restoration not just a change of my ways. Beth’s personal experiences helped me discover practical ways to attack my own procrastination. As a result I have become a more loving wife, mother and friend who is able to use the gifts God has given me more fully. I highly endorse this talk and would love to hear it again and again."
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Carole S.

“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”
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Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise! It has
no commander, no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
Proverbs 6:6-8
... you have put off the old man with
his deeds, and have put on the new
man who is renewed in knowledge
according to the image of Him who
created him.
Colossians 3:9-10

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