Less Stress for the Holidays

I love the Holidays! It may be the 4th of July, Thanksgiving; Christmas is my favorite. Any excuse to celebrate brings me joy!  But sometimes trying to plan the "perfect" event can be stressful.  Being in such a hurry can lesson the happy.  But although we may be in a rush, we should still find ways to relax. As Christmas and New Year's Eve are quickly approaching, I want to share my personal  helpful tips with advice from BabyCenter.com too so you and your family will lesson the stress and really enjoy the holiday season.

Scale Back:  Unless you have a lot of household help, it can be difficult attempting the perfect Martha Stewart ambiance. I mean, who really needs a wreath made with fresh cranberries? Simple decorations can still be festive.

Simplify Gift Giving: Since my family is growing and our budgets are shrinking, we decided to draw names this year; literally picking names out of a hat. We're not spending a lot of money, but agree spending time with each other is more important.

Collaborate on Festivities:  Ask holiday guests to contribute to the party. Let them bring hors d'oeuvres or dessert to your holiday event so you won't be responsible with all the cooking.

See the Holidays Through the Eyes of a Child:  Singing Christmas Carols as a family can bring more delight than a fancy toy. Most children want your presence instead of a present anyway.

Give Yourself a Break: It may be difficult to find time for yourself, however, try. If you relax, your children, family and guests will be relaxed too.

Enjoy the Holidays!

Support the Next Generation

This past Halloween I got a little sad. Not because my children have outgrown their Trick or Treat season and now pass out the candy instead of receiving it. I was sad because of the number of houses in our neighborhood who don't even participate in the Halloween tradition. Very few homes follow what was a common occurrence during my childhood; standing next to the lighted jack-o-lantern on the front porch passing out candy to kids dressed as a princess or a super hero. But I've noticed that sense of apathy isn't limited to Halloween. So many people seem to have this lackluster feeling; not wanting to get involved in anything.

I'm a firm believer that when we show lack of concern for issues or activities that involve our children, it's the beginning of a downward spiral for our community. We stop going to our child's sport's events, don't attend parent/teacher conferences.  When we stop focusing on the needs of our children, they miss the connections and support they need to keep moving forward.

Find your way to support our next generation. Our children really are the future.

A lot to Give

A recent conversation with a Seasoned Sister left me surprised and sad. I've given the title "Seasoned Sister" to the women of a certain age who are usually labeled as Senior Citizens. These Grandmothers, Retirees, Pillars in the Community who are now in their Golden Years.  What made me sad after my conversation with this beautiful gray haired woman was she seemed totally down and depressed. She didn't feel she had anything to contribute and her knowledge and experience were not valued. That, in my mind, couldn't be further from the truth. There's a Scripture, Titus 2 that shares the importance of older women helping our young women; being a mentor to encourage our younger generation. These Seasoned Sisters have value, giving guidance and direction through there words and wisdom.
If you are a Seasoned Sister or if you know one, Be Encouraged! You Still have A lot to Give!

Know Your Neighbors

I often think back to a time when people really knew their neighbors. Growing up, I lived between the Garrisons and the Jacksons; the Redd family lived across the street. Everyone knew each other and looked out for one another. It wasn't perfect, but it seemed to be a much simpler time.

This is an except from my latest devotional: 

Mommy's Monday Meditations: Praising God Morning, Noon and Night! 

Please purchase the book on Amazon.

Mighty Mentors

The secret of successful Motherhood is getting help. You really can't do it alone.  As a new Mom, I remember how I didn't seem to know anything about taking care of a baby! Thanks to my Mother and the other Moms that came to help me, I survived. They all served as my Mentors.

No matter your profession or your task, you need a Mentor.  If you haven't done something before, how will you learn? Moms must welcome advice from those seasoned Mothers who have walked in their shoes. It could be an author with great books on parenting. It might be a Mom in your community who is patient and trusting. Your Mentor could be a family member or a close friend whose testimony you know so well. 

Because they have dealt with the struggles you are experiencing, they can give you advice and tell you when you are right and when you are wrong. An effective Mentor should also encourage you to keep moving forward and to never give up!