Holiday Blog

One of my simple daily pleasures is getting the mail. I love it. I love the surprise and anticipation of an unexpected card, a decent coupon or a package I have been waiting for. I know its weird - judge me if you must. In light of this fact, its sufficient to say that December is hands down the best mail month of the year. While I enjoy receiving packages from afar, and my many shipments from Amazon (thank you Amazon for free Prime shipping), I am nearly giddy with delight as I open my friends and family's holiday cards. It's not just the card - their kind words, a fantastic photo - it's that the card reminds me of our relationship. Of the richness they have brought to our lives. Of the fact that we may not be in close proximity now, but that our hearts and lives have been forever changed by the experiences we have shared. 

Given my rather intense sentiment about holiday cards (again, I know its weird - judge as needed), it pains me to not send one out myself this year. Don't get me wrong - I had the best of intentions. Even a "tentative holiday card plan" all laid out. But life happened. Like in September and October when all of my "miscellaneous" spending fund paid for countless visits to pediatricians, urgent cares and pharmacies for my ailing kiddos. Or in late October and November when I couldn't coordinate our schedules (or the weather) with any number of my fabulous photographer friends. I'm not sure if you have ever tried to get to small children to look AND smile at the camera at the same time - but believe me, people, we NEED a professional. Finally last week, I stopped looking at card options on my favorite websites and conceded the holiday card plan for our family this year. And truth be told, I'm (almost) ok with that.

See, this Christmas season I am making a concentrated effort for my focus - and my family's focus - to be celebrating Jesus. Daily. In big and small ways. And that has meant letting go of some things that are more about me and less about Him. Like numerous Pinterest projects and and over an top Advent calendar for the kids. Letting go of EVER folding a load of clothes as soon as they are done in the dryer. Deciding to decline invitations to every party, function or holiday themed kid event. And sometimes it has been hard. But other times - it has made me feel free. Free from obligation and expectation. Free from worry about making memories with my kids that are - in truth - more about feeling the need to fulfill some lofty and unrealistic standard of what it is that moms need to make Christmas about. 

So I aim daily to focus my heart and mind on anticipating the celebration of Christ's birth. To remind myself that Jesus humbled himself and came to earth as a baby for me - for all of us - to know Him, love Him and have True Life through Him. I aim to show my kids that celebrating Jesus doesn't just mean parties and presents and treats - but that it means to love deeply, give grace freely and to show unrelenting kindness on a daily basis. These goals mean more laying under the Christmas tree looking at the lights and being in the moment with my kids, and less time spent finding "perfect" presents. Less time thinking about all the fun projects on my Pinterest Holiday board and more time playing with our kids nativity set. We don't have it down. But we are taking one day, one choice at a time - and there is peace in that decision.

In light of these things, and the fact that I have had to "let go" of my traditional holiday card plan, I couldn't resist writing a Holiday note here on our little blog. To let  you know that we love you and look forward to making many more memories this next year. And maybe, just maybe, I needed a little therapeutic writing about letting go of that holiday card.

Merry Christmas dear friends

Love,

The Jones Family