I am expecting baby #2 this month and I knew our typical last-minute wrapping Christmas presents was not going to work for us this year. Given the stress of this year already, I know that I want need our Christmas as a family of four to be the opposite of stress. I am determined to prepare as much in advance in order to really enjoy this time together.
Make a List
First, I made a list of everything that would need to be done before the baby arrived. That included:
- Making a Christmas budget
- Creating a list of all gift recipients and ideas
- Buying and wrapping gifts
- Addressing Christmas cards and packages we plan to send
- Planning out any other December events
Choose Where You Spend Your Energy
Now that we are just a few weeks out from baby’s arrival I can focus on the “fun” things that I look forward to this year. I can’t wait to watch “Elf” together as a family, decorate sugar cookies, and pick out our Christmas tree. I envision this year to be a little slower than years past. With nothing to rush out the door for, we can take our time slowly opening presents Christmas morning and stay in our pajamas all day.
It may be a very different Christmas than many of us had expected, but hopefully, with fewer commitments, we can emphasize what really brings us joy this season. Instead of feeling restricted, let’s choose happiness. Maybe it is driving around looking at lights in your pajamas or making homemade salt dough ornaments. Whatever it is that makes you happy this holiday season, do it. Choose to be intentional about where your energy is going this year around the holidays.
