The articles for this magazine are written about one month in advance of publication – which means I am sitting at my desk on October 1, but thinking about November! I just returned from shopping at a couple of craft stores – both of which were filled with Christmas decorations! I know, this happens every year – but each year it seems to be earlier and earlier – or perhaps it is just harder for me think about!
So today I decided to make some “holiday resolutions” to help me enjoy, rather than dread, the upcoming celebrations. Perhaps they might get you thinking about your own resolutions that would make a happier, easier and more fulfilling holiday season for you and your loved ones. Well… here they are:
1. I will make a list of everything I have to do for each holiday. I will include all the fun things and all of the tough ones. For me, writing the Christmas letter is fun, addressing and mailing the envelopes is not. Decorating the house for Thanksgiving is fun, decorating the Christmas tree is not.
2. I will try to get people to help me with the things I don’t like to do. Frankly, I usually do the stuff I don’t like, have a bad attitude, and act like St. Joan the martyr for several days. This year, I will not do that! If I can’t get help, it just won’t get done.
3. I will set aside time to do these four things: (1) help another family through a giving tree program, Toys for Tots or the Salvation Army (2) make time and spend the money to go to see a Christmas movie with friends (3) regardless of the crowds – go out one night and enjoy the beautiful holiday lights and (4) attend a Christmas musical program at a church.
I encourage you to be ‘deliberate’ as you prepare for the holidays. Have fun and enjoy yourself! And, if you decide to attend a Christmas program at a church, please join us at Newhall Church of the Nazarene on Saturday, December 6 or Sunday December 7 for “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
Newhall Church of the Nazarene is located at 23857 The Old Road in Newhall. For more information, please email Kathy@newnaz.org and visit www.newnaz.org.