4 Gifts to Give Yourself
1. Consider Saying NO to:
- Too many events—choose one or two and enjoy others next year
- Too many invitations
- Too much food, drink
- Too much debt
- Spending too much time doing things to impress or please others
2. Eliminate Pressure:
- Invite others to bring a treat or dish to share—don’t do it all
- Organize extended-family gift-giving. Give to one person, not ten!
- Check your card list. Send greetings to people who truly matter to you
- Give yourself permission to quit a tradition if you have no time or energy
3. Luxuriate In Time For Yourself:
- Take a long, hot, bubble-bath by candle light accompanied by your favorite music
- Go for a slow walk admiring the Christmas lights and twinkling trees in windows
- Sing or play Christmas carols that celebrate the gift of God, His Son Jesus
- Sit by your tree, enjoy scented candles, and read the Word for an hour
4. Focus on Jesus:
- Read the Christmas story to yourself or a child. Make it come alive. Be in awe.
- Spend time writing down all the blessings you have because Jesus came.
- Sing—by yourself, or with others. Raise your voices. Rejoice in His love.
- Help children act out the Christmas story. Dress them up. Let them have fun and experience the wonder of that first Christ-filled day.
I easily get overwhelmed by too much to do and find saying “NO” a powerful help in keeping my focus on the reason for the season. I hope these four gifts you can give yourself help you to experience the special wonder and deep joy of Christmas.
Let us know what helps you by making a quick comment below!Blessings,
Poppy SmithInternational speaker, multi-published author, Bible teacher, and spiritual coachInspiring Women to Thrive! Permission to use this article is granted provided the following credit is fully included.Poppy Smith is funny, warm, and passionate about helping women grow spiritually and personally so they experience the love and power of Christ in life’s ups and downs. A former teaching leader with Bible Study Fellowship, Poppy has a Masters in Spiritual Formation and ministers extensively as a retreat and conference speaker both in the US and around the world. For more information about Poppy’s heart, her books and ministry, please visit her website at www.poppysmith.com.