Former procrastinators – now diligent women – I hope your Thanksgiving was a time of genuine praise to God and enjoyment of His blessings. As I look back over our good time with family and friends, I notice things I especially enjoyed – and important things I should learn from so that Christmas is a good season of celebration.
It was a special joy this year to be in our son and daughter-in-law’s home for Thanksgiving. Though I don’t feel ready to give up hosting at our house, it was exciting to see him and his wife want to host, do it graciously, and take on the work involved.
Running errands and working on final dishes together with our daughter-in-law was a treat. Remembering that our daughter had said it made her feel good to know we’d miss her warmed my heart because I hoped she missed us! In addition, we were able to visit with folks we rarely see and had the opportunity to get to know them better.
Also this year, I noticed the importance of good sleeping and eating habits during the holidays. I noticed because at Thanksgiving I didn’t maintain those. Major goof!
Lack of rest made me sluggish. When I sleep is important. Six or seven hours starting at midnight do not serve me as well as six or seven starting at 10 p.m. A seventeen year old agreed with that assessment as we chatted in the kitchen. When late hours are unavoidable, a reserve of sleep will help in coping with extra demands.
Too much sugar made me sluggish. It wasn’t the turkey effect. I’ve learned not to eat sweets when I drive long distances because of the drowsiness that follows. I did not anticipate that in a social situation!
I found it hard to concentrate on conversations I was truly interested in. Instead of taking advantage of the visiting opportunity, I sort of faded to “non-participant.” Disappointing and embarrassing! I was also a bit teary. I read recently that too much sugar can take us into an emotional down turn. Mentally, I want to be fully present and engaged.
I’m sad I missed an opportunity – and grateful that now I can avoid the problem in the future.
Do what needs doing when it needs doing. When an old classic comes on the screen at 11 pm, record it. When the cookie tray comes by, often say, “No thank you” or choose a carrot stick.
I’ll certainly indulge in Christmas movies and peppermint cookies. But now I’m alert not to let them sabotage my ability to interact with others.
This Christmas season I want to savor the joys. I also want to get enough sleep and monitor my sugar intake so I CAN enjoy those things! I want to think clearly and function well – giving and receiving in full participation. Ask me later how I did.
How can you maximize your ability to function well and enjoy this season?
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