I had a conversation with a dear friend today that made me really think about how I enjoy the week leading up to Christmas. She was stressed. Her stress even had stress! So I thought I’d take the time do a little PRACTICALLY SPEAKING about this ultra busy time of year! Today is, of course, Practically Speaking! Let’s ratchet down the stress and craziness and ENJOY this once a year week!
Today on our podcast Decorating Tips And Tricks we are talking MIXING CONTEMPORARY WITH TRADITIONAL. What we mean is to do what YOU love and don’t get stuck! This is a very worthwhile and practical home decor episode!
Listen below to episode #139…
Okay, one of my sweet readers sent this youtube to us… you must read it before you read the rest of post. I laughed so hard I cried!!!
You can listen to any episode of DTT on the podcast app of your smartphone. Or go HERE to listen!
I know what some of you are saying, I can almost hear you! I know you have tons of things still left to do. I know you have mountains of gifts to wrap and grocery carts of food to buy. Or… I know you are packing to go away and you have mountains of laundry.
Here’s what I am doing this week. I’m making a list of the things I have left to do for Christmas that are definite “musts”. Only the “musts”. Like grocery shopping for 12 people spending the weekend and beyond. And making sure the guest rooms are company ready. And mailing the last of my Christmas cards out.
But things like organizing a closet or wrapping last-minute gifts to look blog or magazine worthy are off my list! And so is making lunch for a group of friends. We are going out to lunch and I’m having a glass of champagne! I don’t have time to be in the kitchen for anything but the most necessary meals.
Off my list is making my famous pizzelles. Yes, we will all miss them this Christmas but to fit making them into my schedule would increase my already busy week. And who says New Year pizzelles don’t taste just as good.
Off my list is cleaning the clutter in my office and cleaning the garage. My family has seen my office when it is messy. And my often cluttered garage is nothing new to them.
Off my list is making homemade gnocchi for Christmas dinner. I’m using frozen and it will be fine!
I would love a home that is completely organized and oh so pristine but my life is very hectic this time of year so it may have closets that have “stuff” in them and laundry that needs to be done.
OH WELL!
I have choices to make. I can kill myself getting everything perfect (is it EVER really perfect) and be tired and grumpy and miss the magic and wonder and cheer of Christmas. Or I can do what is reasonable and forget the rest. I’ll be much happier and less stressed and more welcoming to my family and those coming to StoneGable for Christmas. And I can really enjoy this special time of the year! And to tell the truth, no one will be the wiser!
I LOVE the week leading up to Christmas. The tree and the lights and the music and the holy feel this week has! Why should I rob myself of living every minute in the miracle of Christmas?
And why rob yourself?
I’m a great list maker. Make a list of what you have to do this week and take a ruthless look at it. Cross of absolutely everything that is not a must. And add a few things you love to do this time of year instead!
Cancel every appointment that is not crucial until after the New Year! The oil in my car can wait another week.
And if your “must list” is still a bit overwhelming give yourself the Christmas gift of help. Find someone who can help you in a pinch. Trade a friend for the help you need now and repay by helping when they need it. Ask your family to pitch in.
I promise you no one will know you didn’t clean under the bed or judge your messy office. And so what if you tie a simple bow on a present. Isn’t it the thought that counts? Forget making those cookies and buy a cake instead.
Life and Christmas is way too short to be stressed and miss out on the beauty of one minute of Christmas.
Now, go ahead and start making a list and crossing things off. You will feel that stress melt away!
Relax, concentrating on the real meaning of Christmas (hint, it’s in the name) and don’t miss one second of this special week!
May this week be filled with wonder and joy and those you love!
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Dear friend, does your family bring things for Christmas eve dinner, Christmas dinner etc.??? How do you decide who does what? I am looking for ways to make the holiday less stressful too. I hope your weekend was magical!
Hi Pinky, we all make something. I suggest things like, “we need a salad” or “can you make a potato side dish” or “will you make a dessert”? I used to do EVERYTHING, but now that I have grown children I let them pitch in and they are so happy to!
It’s true your guests will totally get it, they too have hosted a holiday. DO YOUR BEST AND LEAVE THE REST, and enjoy your family and friends.
Denise
As I age, Christmas is less stressful. The shopping gets easier with the internet and family needing less presents and more love. I get my Christmas decorations out earlier so I can enjoy them and try to make some things for special people. I had those stressful times when I was younger. God bless.
Thank you for helping me to feel less guilty about simplifying these last few days before Christmas by crossing things off my list. We have become a nation of over-doers when sometimes it’s just best to enjoy the season. I was diagnosed with breast cancer December 5th and it completely derailed my plans.
Thanks for the encouragement, Yvonne. Along with that, I have put, “launch my blog after Christmas”. 😉
I’m with ya. I’ve learned to start early so that I can Enjoy the Holiday. I start decorating the day after Thanksgiving giving myself a couple day to tweek with spray paint of new ribbon. I took a PDO from work around the first of December to make several dozen cookies which went into the freezer in tins and gifted throughout the month. I let Paul know not to plan on Christmas shopping Christmas eve. Its a holiday !
Wishing you Peace,
laura
I have always wanted to have everyone around me for Christmas, family friends and lonely people. Today I have learned to relax and have an early Christmas with my boys so that they can start new traditions with their familes. What a blessing this has been in my life.
I love the simple things more and more in life!
Yvonne a great message for all of us … Due to them putting my husband into home hospice and all the different people in and out … I stressed not getting to everything!!! Thank you I am not going to bake as much this year as past, not going to prep every room just basic rooms needed … thank you for your inspiration God bless and Merry Christmas to you and your family
What a rewarding message for me today! As I was feeling very overwhelmed by the holidays. Due to an injury I’m not able to do as much anymore. You made me realize it’s going to be ok😊 so what if I don’t have 4 beautifully decorated trees, lights outside, many different cookies baked and the Christmas cards sent out. God had a different plan for me. I’m letting go of the stress. Thank you for all your inspiring posts!❤️❤️
Thanks for these last minute tips! I tend to put too much on my plate and stress about it, just like we all do. I am baking my frosted sugar cookies, but am making half the batch I usually do. We never end up eating all of them with everything else we have, and I wind up bringing to the office after Christmas to get rid of them. We have had sausage balls on Christmas morning since the 1970’s (a family tradition) and fortunately they can be made ahead and frozen. So I made them last night and put in the freezer. I also have frozen cinnamon rolls with frosting I can pop in the oven, so I have an easy Christmas breakfast planned.
Funny as we age we find different priorities, like our grandchildren. I have been doing the same this week. Bakeries have some awesome stuff. Merry everyone!
I had a decision to make….go with my hubby to DC and see some sights and do some fun things in-between him seeing his clients OR stay home and work on my to-do list for Christmas while he is away for 4 days….SO, I decided to throw caution to the wind….do a great take out from a favorite restaurant for Christmas Eve, buy more gift cards rather than scrambling through the shops at the mall…and some people may get Christmas cards after Christmas!….As life is about spending time with loved ones all through the year! Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family!
Thank your for your advise, I made lists too and really help me get things to do and shopping done in time. Thanks for the laugh of that video you share. Blessings !
Yvonne I love you ❤️
I don’t want to ROB myself of what CHRISTmas is truly about.
I too am hosting a large group of family this Christmas. The house is decorated, the menu planned the gifts are brought, but I still have a ton of things I think I have to do. But after reading this and watching the video (I’m still laughing especially about the pillows and bird feeders) will they make a real difference after all other than stress me out.
So this morning I revise my list and enjoy the rest of the week and look forward to loving my God and those coming to visit me.
God bless you and your family
Sweet Yvonne
It’s such a gift you have to encourage us in everything you post. This Christmas is very different in our family, as I had a fall last weekend, broke my kneecap, had surgery, and am spending the week before Christmas recuperating in front of the fire, with none of the holiday preparations done in the usual way. My hubs and I wrapped the gifts we had yesterday, and are filling in with cash for kids and grandkids. We rearranged our normal time with everyone to accommodate my situation, and in the meantime, I am enjoying a no stress holiday time of counting my blessings for healing, a sweet hubby who is caring for me like a champ, and kids and grands that live close enough to pop by for a quick visit. And having time to sit/recline here and enjoy the rest is not a bad thing. It has made me rethink my future approach to holiday time….do I really need to do all the things to make the holidays sparkle? What can I do less of, and enjoy more? Can I provide rest for my family by paring back, and serving them instead?
When I feel stressed over the holidays, I take a minute to reflect on the overwhelming stress and sense of responsibility that Mary and Joseph must have felt on that first Christmas. On top of their trying travels, there was “no room in the inn”! It puts my stress over baking, cleaning and shopping into perspective!
Thank you for the timely post, it is just what I needed to read today!
I would add Flexible! We are going to my son & DIL’s to their new home. It was a change last week.
And that means a diffrent kind of prep for us plus no little ones this year. They are headed to their other grandparents. Yes, flexible and time for new traditions and new beginnings! I am actually truely excited for all of it. MerryChristmas Yvonne and family!
Well, there are absolutely no Christmas expectations at my house this year. I’m having surgery this Friday….somewhat emergency because it was decided today that I really can’t wait until after Christmas. So any small plans we had made are now gone & I’ll be enjoying some quality time with my husband instead.
Jenny,
You can read my post above. We share the unexpected of having surgery during the Christmas season! Prayers for healing, and sweet rest during this time.
The best of luck…
Jenny, I hope your surgery goes well. You can look forward to next year when you are healthy and can really enjoy Christmas! Get yourself some December magazines to enjoy!
Yvonne, your wise post and also the perspective of others calms my hazy feeling of being behind, late, or not prepared. I’m keenly aware of the seasons of life, remembering years of raising family and being worn out (and energized) with preparations and partying. Working now, time does not allow the luxury of lists and lists of plans and intentions. Anyway, this particular season belongs to my strong, vivacious mother, in hospital now and hospice soon, and remembering her in earlier Christmases.
God bless you and your dear mother. I stopped to pray for both of you. May the Savior of Christmas show Himself in your lives and may you find joy and comfort.
How true! The wasted energy and stress we generate could power the national grid so why not look after yourself first. Get your priorities right is my theme. Thank you for sharing these thoughts with us. You are so right.
Thank you for the timely post. I feel like I have been in a time warp and have missed much of the season having an unexpected hospital stay. Christmas will be pared down this year but the essential things which cannot be bought are in abundance.
I am happy!
Jan I hope you are feeling better. God bring back your health! xo
My feeling is … I’ve known since last December 26 that this day was coming. I would need to be ready. So…that’s what sales are for. Be ready to buy when something nusual or really neat presents itself. Stock up on small things all year at sales and do those big ticket items right after Thanksgiving. And I do NOT mean getting in the madness of post-Thanksgiving sales. Are you on Woot? How about Zulily? Is there a Civic Center, playhouse or music venue near you? As soon as they post their schedule for the next year, buy tickets to performances for those who are “hard to buy for”. And the list goes on… For friends and neighbors I bake and make. And for the men in the family … Jos. A. Banks can’t be beat for those pre-Christmas sales. Yes, I’m taking it easy this last week before Christmas.
I resolved the whole too-many-things-to-do stress years ago. I simply ask myself “didJesus left perfect heaven to live among us so that I would celebrate this miracle by stressing out this or spending too much time or money doing that.”
Such great advice!!! I agree 1000%. It’s so freeing to be ruthless about what we’d LIKE to have done before Christmas and what NEEDS to be done before Christmas. Or actually any event in our lives.
KISS and DSTSS are great mottos.
I loved that video of the crazy mama. Do we all look like that? So funny.
Wise words…..My mantra for this year has been ” easy” and so far I’m sticking with it! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
I totally agree. Enjoy the blessings of the season, slow down and breathe.
Thanks for a perfect reminder.
Very well said! I always have an “ideal” Christmas buzzing around in my head, there are so many wonderful things to bake and ways to decorate – I want to do them all. I want my Christmas to be perfect. I have learned that all it really takes is love and appreciation, along with a bit of generosity and good cheer, and remembering whose birthday we are celebrating.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Buon Natale to you Yvonne! I really like this post–it is calming. I don’t know why so many of us procrastinate and then get stressed. My family comes for New Year’s and that does help but there are still packages to mail and cookies to finish. Oh, well, I just do the best I can and if it isn’t perfect, so what. That’s my lesson.
It is perfect Diane!!!! Perfect to have your family with you!
What a timely post, Yvonne! Thank you for reminding many of us that it all doesn’t have to be perfect.
Thanks for your very wise advice Yvonne. I have been saying for years that I enjoy or try to enjoy everyday in December leading up to Christmas. That includes the planning, shopping, errands, wrapping, baking, cooking etc. Because if you don’t enjoy every step leading up to Christmas, the day will fly by and you will be left wondering “Where did Christmas go”. It just goes by way too quickly. So enjoy the music, lights, decorations, singing carols, loved ones, etc and by the time Christmas day arrives, you will embrace the day and say ahh – Happy Birthday Jesus and God Bless us – everyone!
Ahhh, just what I needed to read right now, thank you and Merry Christmas. 🙂
Boy am I glad I got this email this morning. Here it is noon and I have been sitting here thinking of all the things I have to do and not getting up and doing them. I kept thinking of certain things that had to be done on certain days this week. I am having two Christmas eves this year. One on Friday night and the other on Sunday night so it is two nights of appetizers and treats and two brunches and dinners to make plus a few gifts left to get. Thank you for this message because I have just decided to have the same appetizers, treats, brunches and dinners which will make shopping, prepping and cooking so much easier. All the small gifts left to buy will be candles because everyone loves candles. And I will burn lots of candles during these two Christmas’ so I won’t have to spit shine everything because everything looks better by candlelight.
Good for you! I think you are so brave to have back to back parties! YOU GO GIRL
I am sitting in a hospital waiting for my son to come out of surgery. The tree is only half decorated, the gifts are not wrapped, and the house could use a little cleaning. But guess what? We will still celebrate the coming of the Savior , because it’s more about preparing our hearts ,Christ’s home ,than our physical home. I’m loving your pictures and posts. They lift my spirits. Merry Christmas!
LOrraine, you have it right! God bless you and your precious son. I stopped and prayed for him and you. God has a son and sent Him into our world. You have it so so right. I hope this is the most special Christmas ever for you and your son. I pray that God magnifies and reveals Himself to you so big that your Christmases will never be the same. And I pray for a complete recovery for your son! A big HUG from StoneGable, Yvonne
Amen Lorraine! Sorry about your son, but will sit here and pray for him and you right now. Jesus never fails and nothing is impossible for Him. God bless!
Amen!
Perfectly said. So easy this time of year to forget “it’s more about preparing our hearts, Christ’s home, than our physical home”. Thank you for those exact words. We need to put them on the refrigerator or wherever we keep important notes. I’ll keep your son in my prayers.
Thanks for the wonderful advice. Merry Christmas.
Such great advice!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I need to just breathe!
A good reminder Yvonne! I started getting ready on Thanksgiving weekend for Christmas. It really helped me stay on track and organized. Also I shopped early and finished a few weeks ago. The earlier the better for less stress! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Best pre-Christmas prep advice!
thanks for the reminder! let’s all cut out the crazy and chaos! enjoy and live in the moment —and i just crossed a bunch off my unrealistic to do list! thank you!!!!!!!
Yesterday’s teaching on peace was beautiful, but this post is the icing on the cake. Thank you for reminding us once again what is really important. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.
This post was filled with words of wisdom! Thank you for permission to let perfection go…it is rarely attainable and causes everyone unnecessary anxiety! Here’s wishing the blessings of Christmas to your family and the families of your many readers! I am off to listen to my favorite Christmas carols, while I finish a couple of projects.
Oh! Here is a tip I have used in the past…Have an “after Christmas, Christmas party” the week between Christmas and the New Year. You have everything done that you are going to do, and most people have an opening on their calendar. Less stress equates to more fun for all!
I hope I’m invited to an after Christmas party!
Several years ago I decided that only those things that honor God and bring me joy would be included in my Christmas season. This helped me pare down my to do list considerably!
Can’t write too much right now…off to check my list (on a great paper) .maybe ask my sister to go shopping with me..for next year’s colors..navy, white, and green (one of your recent posts)…Thanks!
I just wrapped a package in celadon green with white polka dots and added a navy blue grosgrain ribbon. So so pretty!
Great advice! My family has been evacuated for 3 days now and have been packed and ready to evacuate for over a week due to the Thomas fire. My tree has lights only and my home is covered in ash and still standing thank God. My list has 1 thing on it – be great full. It’s just stuff and there will be other Christmas celebrations. This is one for the memory book! Thanks for putting it all in perspective! Love all your posts!
God bless you, Laurie! I pray the Christ of Christmas shows up so big right among all those ashes and blesses you beyond anything you could think or imagine!
Thank you for the reminder! I try to keep in mind these are “holy days” not “holidays”
YES!
Thank you for this reminder Yvonne. I get so busy trying to make everyone in my family happy that I forget to ENJOY the holiday. I’m tearing up my lists and starting over with what’s really important and letting the rest go. They will live and I’ll get to enjoy it all. You bring so much joy to others through this blog. Here’s wishing you and your lovely family all the magic of Christmas! XOXO
This was just what I needed today. I woke up thinking, when am I going to make those Pizzelles? AFTER Christmas is just fine, or not at all. They call to me and I eat too many anyway if I don’t just give them all away. My 11 year old grandson is off school this week (for 3 weeks) and he still wants to be with Lala & Grandpa, so we’ll spend more time with him making Christmas memories! I knitted a scarf for his elf last night. Now THAT is what is important! I’m making a list and crossing off at least half! Thank you for a merrier Christmas!
We just had our little Anderson this weekend and all we did was fun “stuff”. Best every, right?
Sometimes we just have to let things be and not look for the perfect Christmas.Enjoy your week.
Yvonne, as always, great advice. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Due to adult children’s work schedules and need for travel time, our family celebrated our Christmas together this weekend. Today, I awoke with the anticipation of a very different week before Christmas. My husband and I will spend the week focused on activities that are both low-key and spiritual. I think will be a wonderful time…2018 brings treatments for my husband’s newly discovered cancer. Blessings to all at this “wonderful time of the year.”
Thank you for these words of encouragement!
I really needed this post. I have been stressing out because there is still so much I need to do before Christmas. After reading your post, I am going to do what I can and it will be enough. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for this reminder that it is ok not to strive for perfection, even though we know we can’t achieve it. Now to work on my never ending to do list! It helps to know that you don’t get it all done either.
Great advice! So easy to get caught up in the angst, isn’t it? I remember shopping in a big mall one year during the Christmas season….people everywhere rushing around like stressed out mice in a maze….crowded, loud….but off in the distance, I could hear Silent Night gently playing in the background. Love the saying..”Let us be silent, that we might hear the whisper of God.” May we all make time this year to hear that gentle whisper quieting our angst.
Blessed Christmas everyone….thank you, Jesus, for coming to save us.
Yvonne, I love this post and it’s so appropriate for this last week before Christmas. I get so caught up trying to make everything perfect that I miss the joy. Trying so hard this year to say no to things that aren’t important, and have empty days on my calendar. I love having nothing to do but sit near my tree with a cup of tea or glass of wine. You must take a look at this video my grown son sent me. I’ve linked it below. My favorite line is “throw out the beds, there’s no time to make them!” Before the large Christmas party I used to throw every year, I would be so stressed out, yelling and screaming and trying to make everything perfect before 60 guests showed up at my door. It’s a wonder that my boys wanted to come home from college to the stress of it all. One year it was canceled due to a snowstorm and I felt so happy and relieved. The family members staying at the house all got in our pj’s. We ate food, drank champagne, and played games and it was great. That’s when I realized I was continuing this party tradition because I felt I had to, not because it brought me joy. It brought my joy for the few hours that we were all gathered, but the stress, time, and energy spent putting it all together really started to stress me and ru in this blessed time of year. Take a minute a have a laugh watching this video.
Merry Christmas!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSN5pSqcxEo
Patty this is HYSTERICAL!!! I’m sharing it on my post. Thanks so much!
My precious Mom went home to be with Jesus in September and I retired in October of this year. More time is available to me now, which helps , but I have also been reminded of what or who is more important, more lasting, and more satisfying. Your post is spot on, another reminder to enjoy and reflect on the “BEST”. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
I can just imagine how happy your mom is this Christmas. Sorry for your loss, Carol! Have a blessed Christmas sweet one!
Thank you Thank you for all the great information and tips God bless and Merry Christmas to you and your family
This final week before Christmas I will be at the mall shopping for gifts. Just finished a kitchen remodel and just finished getting my kitchen back together. Who knew it what take so long. I do appreciate the reminder to slow down the final week before Christmas. Hope I can get everything done today so I can enjoy everything and everyone. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thank you for the beautiful pictures. They give me ideas. Especially appreciated is the picture of packages topped with Pine cones.
The laundry room has been my favorite dumping place. Just close the door and no one else ever goes in there anyway. Even have some bags, tissue paper and ribbon in there for a last minute gift wrapping. As you say, easy peasy.
Time for a hot buttered rum.
I haven’t wrapped packages in years – GIFT BAGS are my go to method for gift giving. Most guests don’t notice your “problem” area unless you point them out. Merry Christmas!
God bless you Yvonne!!! My spirits just soared! I will enjoy this week and my family will enjoy Christmas! Thank you and Merry Christmas!
I’m feeling more relaxed just reading this post Yvonne!
Thank you for this! I am the crazy woman who puts such high standards on myself (as well as those living with me) to have every nook and cranny pristine and decorated before company comes. I sometimes let it steal my joy of the season.
Thank you Yvonne, this just what I needed to day….and you are so right! I just said to someone the other day, sometimes we just watch to much HGTV and the Food Channel, even though I am glad we have those resources! We can’t make everything picture perfect all the time…I miss the original shows around the year 2000, Decorating on a Dime! etc. Thank
So encouraging!! And freeing…….staying out of stores and making gingerbread cookies with granddaughters.
This was exactly what I needed this morning! I woke up thinking (stressing) about all the things that need to be done this week and was getting mad at myself for letting my “control & perfection” issues overshadow this blessed week. You did a reset for me and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. As soon as I sign off I am making my skinny list and giving the week over to the reason for the season! And then heading to the bakery instead of spending the day in the kitchen!!
God Bless you Yvonne! Merry Christmas!
Jan
So true, Yvonne! I use to worry myself sick, trying to make everything perfect for the extended family for Christmas. This year, I have peace, and nobody will notice if I didn’t vacuum under the bed😉. I decided earlier this season to enjoy every day, not putting pressure on one single dinner! Great post😀
It brought me great joy to read this today. I felt the stress melt away.
Thank you for this wonderful reminder of the real spirit of the season!
Amen!! My exact feelings not only for Christmas but for anytime! I think aging process has given me that gift! I make lists each day of what is really important to be done! I don’t enjoy stress or the anxiety that comes with it. I think I have learned I don’t have to be perfect thank God! Thanks for this post as it is nice to know others feel the same way!
Love the suggestions for “Less Stress”. Especially extra appointments. Just keep time with friends and family. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Wonderful blog today. It is so worth it not to be stressed out. We are having a small Christmas dinner and leaving to have Family Christmas with grandchild and daughters after the holiday. Christmas is celebrated when you can. Have a great day and enjoy.
What a wonderful week to enjoy! It’s all done! Thank you! Merry Christmas!
Well I must say I definitely needed to read your article this morning! Every year I seem to be less organized and I get so stressed. And it really gets me down that the real meaning of the season is so overlooked. Thank you!!
What wonderful encouragement to focus on the things that really matter – honoring Christ and being together with loved ones. Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Yvonne, for the gentle reminder of what the season is really about. God bless you and your family. Happy Birthday dear Jesus!
Love the reminder to relax and enjoy the beauty of the season. None of us live in a magazine layout or in the stories portrayed by the Hallmark Christmas movies. Christ is the reason for the season and Christ is love. Forget all the cookies, buy a cake and wish Jesus a Happy Birthday. Merry Christmas to you and your family Yvonne.
sometimes we need to let go of perfect …and just enjoy!