MM

December 2024

Merry Christmas! It's the time of "Peace on Earth, Goodwill to all men." Is that what you're feeling? If not, I understand. There have been years, especially when my kids were young, that I was overwhelmed, wishing for Christmas to just be over so I could get back to the normal busy-ness of my life. Not good.

Where was the peace? Where was the joy? I learned it was a matter of saying "No."

That's right. I've had to say no to a lot of the wonderful options for this time of year. You know that magazine version of a large, beautiful Christmas party? Nope. Baking hundreds of Christmas cookies to give to everyone in my neighborhood, friends, family? Not gonna happen. Elegant meals with clever place cards, large floral bouquets, and intricate menus? Ah, a big no.

It's not that I don't love these things. I do. But my mental health is more important. I want to ponder the birth of Jesus and rejoice. I want to sit quietly and listen to the happiness of Christmas music. And I want to enjoy a good Christmas story.

Through the years I've found that when I do these things instead of rushing around to pull together the "perfect" Christmas, I am happier and my household is happier. Isn't it more important to enjoy the season, to spread "good tidings of great joy"? The answer is a big YES!

So, say "No" to things this Christmas and settle on the most important. You won't regret it.

And speaking of a good Christmas story (You knew I was going to get to this, didn't you?), check out these clean and wholesome holiday romances at amazon. Just click here.