Take The Time

(Disclaimer: Parts of this post are sponsored. All images are my own or that of the company in which I’m representing. All thoughts are my own and my honest review of the products. Thank you to Dearfoams for sponsoring this post!)

It’s 6 sleeps until Christmas and the suspense is in the air. Granted – suspense is named Stress when you’re an adult. The urge to get everything done in time, making the holiday as special as possible for your little ones. You sleep less, you stress more, and your heart might feel like it’s about to jump out of your body. So it’s time to sit down, remember what this season is about, and slow down.

I know it seems cliché, but this truly is my favorite time of year. There is something so magical from Thanksgiving until New Years that fills the air with joy. Even if your kids are dying of the plague, better known as pneumonia and bronchitis, there is still this sense of wonder in the air that is inescapable. The glow of Christmas lights, the warmth that the tree radiates with its beautifully adorned branches. Yet, here I am – 6 days before Christmas and I’m having what I thought was a heart attack.

Yes you read that right, a heart attack. Thankfully – and fingers crossed – it’s only this other word I cannot pronounce for the life of me, but all will be well. Basically mama is tired, and anxiety and stress are getting the best of her. Regardless of what it is, it was scary. It was just another reminder that we need to chill the heck down this season and focus on what really matters.

This year is different. With my having launched Lillian Jude earlier this fall, I have been in a constant state of, “GO GO GO!” Orders are finally all out, and teacher gifts are made. However I still feel frantic. Sleeping through our alarm each morning, causing the early morning hours to become a scramble to get the boys to school on time. By the grace of God we haven’t been late…officially.

This time of year we are so consumed by making sure the Christmas cards are sent out on time (mine yet to be addressed), that our pastor’s Christmas cookies are baked, and that we find everyone the PERFECT gift. But what does that get us? Stress!

Now I’m not saying not to do any of these things. What I am saying is to breathe, take a step back, and slow down. Christmas starts December 25th and ends January 6th, so really I have all the time in the world to send those cards out. Procrastination might come in handy for once in my life. The cookies don’t need to be Pinterest perfect, and Amazon Prime can get you those “perfect” gifts all from the comfort of your couch!

You can do it all while not killing yourself.

So here is my current pre Christmas week game plan. 1) Breathe! 2) Make a cozy cup of tea and slip into my favorite Dearfoams Fireside slippers! 3) Enjoy the crazy that is the chaos of the boys being on Christmas break. Enjoy the sound of their playing, rather than allowing it to stress me out. After all happy noise is good noise! 4) FINALLY hang these outdoor lights. Normally we have them up for weeks at this point, but with the plague having been upon us, it’s been difficult to find the time/energy.

PS! Side-note, these slippers are made of 100% Australian sheepskin lining, are waterproof, and have outdoor/indoor soles, so they’re perfect for that lovely southern winter drizzle. And because y’all know how much I love brands that give back – Dearfoams is donating a pair of slippers for each pair sold. This year partnering with the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio, to give a little comfort to those spending the holidays away from home. Brands with a heart are the best to support!

Which leads me to 5) Live in the moment. It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting friends and family, staying home, or are taking care of a sick loved one while at a place such as the Ronald McDonald House and are far from home, Christmas isn’t about the location. It’s about our Savior’s birth. About celebrating His coming with those we love. So spend the time WITH them, not just around them. Be present, take a breath, and remember what really matters.