I’ve been thinking…If I was going to do a series of posts like this, I probably should have sent them a month ago. That was the plan, but stuff happens. So, my word for you today is “Let it go!”
I totally understand if you’re already too busy to read these or try to put them to use. Just delete and move on!
But today there are a few gift ideas, so you may want to take a peek at them. Also, this is the last time I’ll show up in your email till after Christmas, but I’ll be posting what I hope will be uplifting and helpful posts over on Instagram, so join me there!
Day 3 – Prepare
Are there traditional Christmas baked goods that you make every year? Make a comprehensive grocery list and stock up now. Or order on Amazon!
If Pinterest is your thing and creating is life-giving for you, now is the time to scroll through your “Christmas” file and choose one new craft, recipe, or party you’d like to try.Here’s one I want to try from Boxwood Avenue
Look at the days you know will be crazy and write in “pizza” now. (And if you want a fantastic gift idea to send to your grown kids and grands to take some stress off, order here! ) Look at the days when you will be hosting and make out tentative menus now (it will make you feel better to have something down on paper!)
Hostess (and other) Gift ideas:
Appetizer on a keep-it platter
Homemade Granola in decorated mason jar
Christmas towel wrapped around a bottle of wine
Energy bites for hiking (recipe below) (Add this amazing book and give it to the hiker in your family!)
Paper-white bulbs (This is also a lovely gift for the person in your life who needs a picture of hope – something ugly that becomes beautiful. Add Kate Bowler’s book, Good Enough for a meaningful present)
Quick bread or baked goodie for the morning after breakfast. (buy cheap mini ceramic loaf pans at Michaels or Hobby Lobby)
Festive holiday paper plates, napkins and printed cups – all of which can be put to use while you’re visiting so there are fewer dishes to wash.
Something from your hometown – like wild rice and a recipe from MN or toffee from a local candy shop.
And if you’re all done with your shopping and prepping, a Christmassy book I found delightful is here.
Energy bites
INGREDIENTS
Yields: 16-18 balls
2/3 cup creamy peanut butter (can use chunky too)
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1½ Tbsp. honey
1/4 cup miniature chocolate chips
1/4 cup flaxseeds
PREPARATION
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well-combined.
Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Once done chilling, roll into approximately 1 inch balls. (Cover hands in a light layer of butter or oil to facilitate rolling and avoid getting sticky hands.) Wrap in squares of Saran wrap and tie with festive ribbon or string.
Store in the refrigerator until ready to be eaten. Enjoy!
That’s it from me! Please share your best Christmas planning tips and gift ideas in the comments!!!
I glimpse a small patch of bright fire red in the middle of still-green maple leaves as I bike through my neighborhood to Starbucks early in the morning, greeting dog-walkers and porch sitters with their first cup of coffee. Cardinals chirp and I imagine they are discussing plans to head south.
It’s not cold yet, but there’s a change in the air. The mornings are cooler and soon it will take all day for the sun to warm the earth, barely struggling up to the high, like a middle school boy trying to do chin-ups, then sliding quickly back down.
Yellow buses lumber through the neighborhood doing practice runs and we notice that dusk tiptoes in earlier. I smile at “bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils”.
I want to light candles, make soup, bake muffins. Things are changing.
Whether you’re back to packing lunches and driving carpools, adjusting to a new baby in your home, or anticipating a change in employment, moving to a new city, or trying to accept a “new normal” without a loved-one, Fall marks a season of change. And even good change can be hard.
I look forward, “adventurously expectant” (Romans 8:15 MSG) to what God has next, but still… It’s got me reflecting on how to “choose life”(Deuteronomy 13:19) while also in the midst of the grieving that inevitably comes with change.
Here are three practices I’m engaging in:
1. Honor Traditions
In seasons of change, traditions are comforting and reassuring. Throughout Scripture God institutes festivals and celebrations that are woven into the rhythm of the year to help us remember His faithfulness. (Exodus 12:14-16; Joshua 4:6-8)
One of our traditions through the years as our daughters were growing up, was a “first day of school dinner” to which we invited two single friends on staff to join our family. They are like surrogate aunties for our girls. We always had homemade chicken pot pie and share “first day” highlights with laughter and thanksgiving.
What traditions can you continue to embrace (or even create) during a season of change?
2. Reflect on Relationships
Change in location or circumstances often means change in relationships. Some people you’ve seen regularly will seemingly vanish from your everyday life.
Transition is a good time to do a relational Examen. Reflect on the people in your life.
Are there any relationships where there might be unresolved issues?
Who are the friends that remain steadfast through changing seasons? How do you continue to nurture those relationships?
Are there places where God is prompting you to reach out and make new friends?
Recently, God convicted me that there was a past relationship where I hadn’t sufficiently checked in to make sure there wasn’t unspoken pain. I felt like maybe I hadn’t adequately cared for this person in her time of transition, so I set up a coffee to ask how she felt. Is there someone you’ve been too busy to see in this new season? Might they be hurt?
3. Focus on the unchanging character of God
What are the attributes of God, the glimpses of grace and goodness you can call out each day as a counter-weight to the circumstances which may feel out of control or stressful in seasons of change?
If you have kids, can you share “God-sightings” around the dinner table?
Or journal about them? Or have a texting agreement with a friend – each of you texting how you remember God’s attributes each day?
The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
psalm 33:11
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness
lamentations 3:22-23
So, those are my thoughts on what helps when change seems to throw me a loop. Maybe just pick one to focus on each day this week.
If you’re a busy mom, click here to sign up for a free week of Devotional Moments for Moms.
And what ideas would YOU share? If you receive this in email, just click on the title at the top and it will take you to the website where you can leave a comment.
I sit in front of a cheery fire, late at night, looking at our glowing Christmas tree. It’s still delightful, even with gifts gone from underneath. We’ve had a lovely holiday season in spite of Covid and allofthethings.
We lit candles. We sang carols. We marveled at Christmas lights and lifted our gaze to wonder at stars in the night sky.
Jesus was born in us again. Glory to God in the highest heavens. And glory to God in the lowest stable.
Still, there are things I wish I had done differently.
In the Christmas season, everything is MORE.
We feel everything MORE intensely – the good and the bad. We add in MORE to our already-packed-no-margin schedules. We drink MORE and eat MORE and bake MORE.
And all that MORE comes at a price.
If you’re like me, Advent can creep up on you and all of a sudden you’re in the middle of it, scrambling to fit in everything.
SO here are three things I’m doing to make next year even better:
1. MAKE A LIST NOW!
Right now, make a google doc or a paper list if that’s your jam (make sure to put it in a safe place).
Consider having a conversation with your family if you want to include them. Evaluate Christmas 2021. Discuss these questions:
What worked well for Christmas 2021?
What mistakes do we want to avoid for Christmas 2022?
List ideas you read about this year that you’d like to do next year.
Consider getting a plastic bin and labeling it Christmas 2022. In it you can put things like books, gifts, Christmas lights, or cards that you buy on sale in January.
HOSPITALITY
What did you bake that you liked?
What menus worked?
Did you entertain too much or do you wish you had done more?
What helped make entertaining less stressful?
Are there specific types of gatherings you’d like to create?
SOUL CARE
What spiritual practices, devotionals, or books did you read that were meaningful? Are there ones you’ve seen others use that you’d like to try next year?
The best things I did this year were to participate in a half day Advent retreat early in December (you can also purchase portable retreats here), and use the Quiet Christmas Collection by Emily P. Freeman.
DECORATING
Take pictures before you take down decorations if you want to duplicate next year. Save links to that mantel you saw on Instagram that you’d like to try. Make note of what needs to be replaced (like Christmas lights).
CREATING
IF you love creating, make a list linking to ideas of things you’d like to make next year. Things you’ve seen for hostess gifts, family traditions, decorating, or party themes.
Are there traditions you’d like to start? I read about this idea from prvrbsthirtyonegirl that I LOVE and even though I don’t have kids at home, I might create one for John and me! Ally and Ryan have one family activity for each day of Advent. You can make your own list that fits with your life stage!
Every year I used to read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever aloud to the family, a chapter a night. This year my book group read Truman Capote’s A Christmas Memory which would be another good read-aloud for a little bit older kids.
A wonderful novel for the season is Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher
GIFTS
What are gifts you received that might be a good idea to remember? (Two of our favorites were Lou Malnati’s pizza from Chicago and homemade Lars Bars (which my friend renamed “Laura Bars” 😍 for hiking, along with the recipes! )
Did you hear about a game that another family tried and liked that would be good to get next year? (We got and loved “It’s in the Bag”!)
2. SCHEDULE A DAY LATER
Block off a day on your calendar and label it CHRISTMAS PLANNING DAY.
You can make it whenever you want, but I’d say a day in the week before Thanksgiving would be good. I’ve marked my calendar for Saturday, November 19th. I also try to protect the Sunday, and Monday after Thanksgiving to decorate.
Then put two alerts in – one for a week before and one for two days before so it will actually happen! (I almost forgot this, and believe me, it won’t happen if I don’t have alerts in!)
On this day you’re going to answer questions and make lists and put dates on your calendar.
What do I need to say “no” to in order to say “yes” to the most meaningful things this season?
Since Christmas adds in, are there things you need to cut out in order to make room? How can you manage your expectations? This might even mean talking to your boss if there are extra things required of you at work, and asking what regular responsibilities he or she thinks can be put on hold so that you will have adequate margin.
3. SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
On your Christmas planning day, put dates on your calendar – the big things you want to make sure happen. Include scheduling in Sabbaths. Maybe make an appointment for a pedicure if it is in your budget.
Practice saying, “Thank you so much for thinking of me, but I’m already committed and need to say ‘no’ this time.”
If you’re having trouble scheduling your own family celebration plus time with in-laws, decide what’s best for your family and then give in-laws several options to choose from that will work for you. (Someone once told me, you need to approach in-laws like you do toddlers – assure them that you love them and give them acceptable choices :))
Prayerfully hold things lightly. Remember, you’re planning so that you won’t end up being highjacked by every urgent thing that comes up, but there may be last-minute changes you need to make, or holy interruptions that deserve your attention. Commit your plans to the Lord and ask Him to confirm or help you adapt.
Lord help me to move slowly enough to experience Jesus fully and love others deeply.
Plan to practice the Examenduring Advent. To help, you can upload the Lectio 365 app. It has an Evening prayer that guides you through a review of your day, helping you to slow down and pay attention to the presence of God in your life – especially valuable in the busy Christmas season.
What ideas have you seen this year that you want to remember for next year? Share with us in the comments!
I glimpse a small patch of bright fire red in the middle of still-green maple leaves as I bike through my neighborhood to Starbucks early in the morning, greeting dog-walkers and porch sitters with their first cup of coffee. Cardinals chirp and I imagine they are discussing plans to head south.
It’s not cold yet, but there’s a change in the air. The mornings are cooler and soon it will take all day for the sun to warm the earth, barely struggling up to the high, like a middle school boy trying to do chin-ups, then sliding quickly back down.
Yellow buses lumber through the neighborhood doing practice runs and we notice that dusk tiptoes in earlier. I smile at “bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils”. I want to light candles, make soup, bake muffins. Things are changing.
Whether you’re back to packing lunches and driving carpools, adjusting to a new baby in your home, or anticipating a change in employment, moving to a new city, or trying to accept a “new normal” without a loved-one, Fall marks a season of change. And even good change can be hard.
I’ve enjoyed a glorious summer at home in Minnesota. This week I need to head back to California where my husband has an interim pastoral position. I’m so thankful for home and summer, but I’m also thankful I’ll be reunited with John and our west-coast daughter and son-in-law.
I look forward, “adventurously expectant” (Romans 8:15 MSG) to what God has next, but still… It’s got me reflecting on how to “choose life”(Deuteronomy 13:19) while also in the midst of the grieving that inevitably comes with change.
Here are three practices I’m engaging in:
1. Honor Traditions
In seasons of change, traditions are comforting and reassuring. Throughout Scripture God institutes festivals and celebrations that are woven into the rhythm of the year to help us remember His faithfulness.
One of our traditions through the years as our daughters were growing up, was a “first day of school dinner” to which we invited two single friends on staff to join our family. They are like surrogate aunties for our girls. We always had homemade chicken pot pie and share “first day” highlights with laughter and thanksgiving.
What traditions can you continue to embrace (or even create) during a season of change?
2. Reflect on Relationships
Change in location or circumstances often means change in relationships. Some people you’ve seen regularly will seemingly vanish from your everyday life.
Transition is a good time to do a relational Examen. Reflect on the people in your life.
Are there any relationships where there might be unresolved issues?
Who are the friends that remain steadfast through changing seasons? How do you continue to nurture those relationships?
Are there places where God is prompting you to reach out and make new friends?
Recently, God convicted me that there was a past relationship where I hadn’t sufficiently checked in to make sure there wasn’t unspoken pain. I felt like maybe I hadn’t adequately cared for this person in her time of transition, so I set up a coffee to ask how she felt. Is there someone you’ve been too busy to see in this new season? Might they be hurt?
3. Focus on the unchanging character of God
What are the attributes of God, the glimpses of grace and goodness you can call out each day as a counter-weight to the circumstances which may feel out of control or stressful in seasons of change?
If you have kids, can you share “God-sightings” around the dinner table?
Or journal about them? Or have a texting agreement with a friend – each of you texting how you remember God’s attributes each day?
The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
psalm 33:11
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness
lamentations 3:22-23
So, those are my thoughts on what helps when change seems to throw me a loop. Maybe just pick one to focus on each day this week.
And what ideas would YOU share? If you receive this in email, just click on the title at the top and it will take you to the host site where you can leave a comment.
And…Just for a fun bonus, here’s the chicken pot pie recipe I use. Maybe consider making it and inviting some new friends over!
Crust
1 box Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box
Filling
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 3/4 cups chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
1/2 cup whole milk
2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken (I splurge on rotisserie chicken already deboned)
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
** I usually cut down on either the broth or the milk, and I add about a Tablespoon of “Better than Boullion organic chicken base” Can also add sautéed mushrooms. Steps
1 Heat oven to 425°F. Make pie crusts as directed on box for Two-Crust Pie using 9-inch glass pie pan. (I pre-cook the bottom crust for about 10 minutes so it doesn’t get soggy with the filling)
2 In 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until well blended. Gradually stir in broth and milk, cooking and stirring until bubbly and thickened.
3 Stir in chicken and mixed vegetables. Remove from heat. Spoon chicken mixture into crust-lined pan. Top with second crust; seal edge and flute. Cut slits in several places in top crust.
4 Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until crust is golden brown. During last 15 to 20 minutes of baking, cover crust edge with strips of foil to prevent excessive browning. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
I glimpse a small patch of bright fire red in the middle of still-green maple leaves as I bike around the lake near my house. It’s not cold yet, but there’s a change in the air. The mornings are cooler and it takes all day for the sun to warm the earth, barely struggling up to the high for the day, like a middle school boy trying to do chin-ups, then sliding quickly back down. Yellow buses lumber through the neighborhood and we notice that dusk tiptoes in earlier. I smile at “bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils”. I want to light candles, make soup, bake muffins. Things are changing.
Whether you’re back to packing lunches and driving carpools, or adjusting to a new baby in your home, or anticipating a change in employment, moving to a new city, or trying to accept a “new normal” without a loved-one, Fall marks a season of change. And even good change can be hard.
For us, we’re in a bittersweet season of “lasts” as we anticipate transitioning out of ministry at the church where we’ve served for almost 30 years – last kick-off Sunday, last Thanksgiving, last Christmas… We look forward, “adventurously expectant” (Romans 8:15 MSG) to what God has next for us, but still… It’s got me reflecting on how to “choose life”(Deuteronomy 13:19) while also in the midst of grieving that inevitably comes with change. Here are three practices I’m engaging in:
Honor traditions.
In seasons of change, traditions are comforting and reassuring. Throughout Scripture God institutes festivals and celebrations that are woven into the rhythm of the year. One of our traditions through the years as our daughters were growing up, was a “first day of school dinner” to which we invited two single friends on staff to join our family. They are like surrogate aunties for our girls. We always have homemade chicken pot pie and share “first day” highlights. Our girls are grown and living far away now, but their “aunties” are still here and so we gathered a couple weeks ago for the traditional dinner, sharing memories and laughter with thanksgiving. What traditions can you continue to embrace (or even create) during a season of change?
2. Reflect on relationships.
Change in location or circumstances often means change in relationships. Some people you’ve seen regularly will seemingly vanish from your everyday life. Transition is a good time to do a relational Examen. Reflect on the people in your life. Are there any relationships where there might be unresolved issues? Are there questions that you need to ask? Romans 12:18 is a good guide: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, liveatpeacewith everyone.”
Recently, God convicted me that there was a past relationship where I hadn’t sufficiently checked in to make sure there wasn’t unspoken pain. I felt like maybe I hadn’t adequately cared for this person in her time of transition, so I set up a coffee to ask how she felt. Is there someone you’ve been too busy to see in this new season? Might they be hurt?
3. Focus on the unchanging character of God.
Speak gratitude. Some things don’t change. God is faithful. What are the attributes of God, the glimpses of grace and goodness you can call out each day as a counter-weight to the circumstances which may feel out of control or stressful in seasons of change? If you have kids, can you share “God-sightings” around the dinner table? Or journal about them? Or have a texting agreement with a friend – each of you texting how you remember God’s attributes each day?
TheplansoftheLord stand firm forever, the purposes ofhis heart through all generations. Psalm 33:11
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
So, those are my thoughts on what helps when change seems to throw me a loop. What about YOU?? What would you share? If you receive this in email, just click on the title at the top and it will take you to the host site where you can leave a comment.
And…Just for a fun bonus, here’s the chicken pot pie recipe I use 🙂
Crust
1 box Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box
Filling
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 3/4 cups chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
1/2 cup milk
2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken (I splurge on rotisserie chicken already deboned)
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
** I usually cut down on either the broth or the milk, and I add about a Tablespoon of “Better than Boullion organic chicken base”
Can also add sautéed mushrooms.
Steps
1 Heat oven to 425°F. Make pie crusts as directed on box for Two-Crust Pie using 9-inch glass pie pan. (I pre-cook the bottom crust for about 10 minutes so it doesn’t get soggy with the filling)
2 In 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until well blended. Gradually stir in broth and milk, cooking and stirring until bubbly and thickened.
3 Stir in chicken and mixed vegetables. Remove from heat. Spoon chicken mixture into crust-lined pan. Top with second crust; seal edge and flute. Cut slits in several places in top crust.
4 Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until crust is golden brown. During last 15 to 20 minutes of baking, cover crust edge with strips of foil to prevent excessive browning. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
