Sooner and Smoother – Keep in Step with the Spirit
It’s sweater weather, former procrastinators. A wonderful time of year. I hope you enjoy colorful trees, brisk air, and crunchy leaves underfoot. Sitting with a fire and a cup of tea in Grandma’s mug, I get to enjoy some quiet moments. Sometimes God’s gifts come in increments – like opportunities to rest or to think all alone before the hubbub starts again. I’m grateful.
Thinking now, I realize I usually write about Christmas in December. I like the department store sign that said in effect, “We celebrate one holiday at a time. Enjoy Thanksgiving with us now. Return for Christmas right after.” I like to give Thanksgiving its own wide space, then move into Christmas.
However, I also realize that as former procrastinators, you’re probably up for Christmas talk earlier than December. You’ve learned doing things sooner makes your holiday season smoother and more enjoyable. You can focus better on Christ. So I want to get November posts onboard with you.
We’ll tackle gifts first. Our daughter made her major purchases during the recent Prime Day. Choices made, selections ordered, items paid for, gifts in hand. I admire that. Hey – I can do that. I can look, prepare orders, and be ready when Black Friday deals begin or take advantage of other sales.
For those who prefer to walk the aisles and touch their options instead of perusing catalogs or online offerings, early lets you be more relaxed as you shop.
Other ideas:
Discuss with your husband what you can spend and stay within the budget so that gifts are paid for before Christmas. This really increases joy!
Gifts might include a family gift to a ministry overseas. You might agree to spend less on each other in order to do this. Or join with another family or small group to give this way. (A goat, cow, water well, etc.)
Work with a local ministry to help others have a special Christmas.
Use a written list of gift ideas and gifts purchased plus who they are for.
Designate one place to store all gifts and stocking stuffers. Label recipients. If something doesn’t fit in your spot, leave yourself a note as to its location.
Swap babysitting days with friends, enabling each other to shop. Or, if appropriate, go together to double the mom power available for kid watching.
Consider giving a family pass to the zoo, splash pool, or rec center.
Consider giving a class or contributing to desired lessons.
Give coupons for babysitting, yard clean up, snow shoveling, a special meal.
Give Uber Eats or other food service to help a busy family.
What Christmas preparations do you begin early? Share your ideas!
