Savoring the Season

I’ve always loved reading blogs, and that hasn’t stopped now that I’m a blogger! Tonight I read this post on Hip Homeschool Moms, and I loved the way it put into words what I’ve been feeling the last few days.

Christmas tends to sneak up on me. I always have great plans. We’ll get the tree up early. Decorate the house. Watch all the Christmas movies. Bake cookies and fudge. Make homemade ornaments and presents. Really get into God’s Word and experience the Christmas story. And then life happens, and all of a sudden Christmas has come and gone, and I haven’t done any of the things I planned.

This year I’m working to change that. I want to savor this season. I want to make memories that my children can look back on with joy. This is their childhood, and I don’t get a do-over. I think we are off to a good start. As I mentioned in my post Saturday we spent last week getting ready for Thanksgiving, and Friday we picked out our Christmas tree. We decorated it last night, and I love the way it helps it feel like Christmas!

I hope this year to do one Christmas related craft or activity each day (I’m finding lots of inspiration on Pinterest!). That may mean we read a book, bake, or work on a present, but I want us to do something. I know my biggest barrier is my perfectionism – I have big elaborate ideas and if I can’t do things perfectly I tend not to do them at all. This year I’m going to try to revel in the chaos, and in all the crazy imperfections!

. My husband snapped this while we were watching, "It's a Wonderful Life." And it is! I love the joy on my children's faces!

What are some ways you make sure to savor the Christmas season?