Today I am honored to share a guest post by Jeanne Doyon. Jeanne is a gifted writer, teacher and speaker. She hosts a women's retreat you can read about in her bio below. She has recently joined Morning Star Bright Lights Podcast in New England. You can listen to her interview here. I know her words will bless you as she encourages us to Pause to Savor the Season. She has also included a FREE download for you to enjoy!
by Jeanne DoyonI get it! We are so eager to say goodbye to 2020. As much as we want this year to end, it will do us good to slow down and savor the season. We need a plan to embrace the moment and beat the tyranny of the shoulds.
So
much has been taken away this year so we need to enjoy what we DO have. How do
we begin? Here are a few things I am attempting to do:
Reduce
Expectations – this has been especially difficult for me because I hoped to
see my children and grandchildren. It just isn't possible. So, I am thinking
outside the box by being a virtual grandparent. It is amazing how many ideas
come to mind to help make this season fun for them. Be sure to check out my
complementing post on my website on this topic Christmas Outside the Box
Christmas
Shopping - Shop early and don't go into debt over your gift list. Set a
budget ahead of time and stick to it. Have your gifts shipped directly if you
aren't getting together. The greatest gifts that have risen during this time of
shut-down are LOVE and TIME. They don't cost a thing and the benefits are
immeasurable.
Hostessing
Dinner - If you are hosting dinner at your home, enlist help from your
guests. Gathering is a community activity. When everyone contributes a side
dish, dessert, or other part of the meal, it takes stress off of you and
creates connection with your guests.
Simple
is best, whether that is in decorating, meal planning, gift giving, cookie
sharing, or whatever you have on your to-do list. Ecclesiastes tells us that
there is a season for everything. Our stage of life changes. And we need to
graciously allow ourselves permission to simplify.
Not
only do we need to simplify, we also need to be intentional about enjoying the
season. One way to do that is to make time to ponder the significance of it
all—Jesus came for us. He is truly the greatest gift. So take time each day to
let go of the stress that the holidays can bring.
Here are some ideas to help ponder the season:
