A challenge for Christmas

I created a challenge for Christmas and want to encourage you to savor time with loved ones.
I am sharing how I plan to do just that.

if I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times, “can you believe it’s Christmas!?”. It has come so quickly, it’s hard to believe it’s only three days away. It seems like the older I get, the faster time goes. An older man said to us when we were newly married, “if you want to see time really fly, have kids.”. Boy, was he right. That’s why I created this challenge for Christmas.

I think most of us will agree that we stay pretty busy, and fairly distracted. In this age of being connected, we’re lonely and more isolated than ever. Our relationships have suffered, and most of us will agree that we wish we had more time for our family. So, this Christmas, I’m challenging you to put down the phone, and be present.

Turn it off. Leave it in the car. Leave it in your bag. Connect with the people you’re in the same room with. Look in their eyes. Notice their faces. Take some time to have conversations, and connect.

Pull out the board games, the old family photos, or family movies. Reminisce, tell the stories, ask questions about the family tree. Use this Christmas to really get to know your family. Appreciate them, and the little time you have with them.
My challenge for myself, and for you, is to put down your phone and be present. Soak up every single second of your time with family and friends.

My dad always says how we spend our time is how we spend our life.

I don’t want to spend my life being distracted and missing all the little moments. After all, the little moments add up to be the big moments. I don’t want my kids to look back on their childhood and think, “mom was never present”.

This Christmas I have a 17 year old, and a three year old. I really can not comprehend how quickly time has gone. The fact that our son will be a legal adult next year boggles my mind. Our sweet little one will be 4 in just a few weeks. I don’t want to miss this Christmas. I want to soak up every single second. Every smile, every giggle, every little moment.

Maybe this Christmas you won’t have the privilege of being with your family, but could you call them? Could you use technology to connect with them? If so, please do. If your family relationships are hard, I am sorry. Can I pray for you?

It is my hope that you have a peaceful, restful Christmas. I am so very thankful for you, and wish you a Merry Christmas.

As always, thank you for spending a tiny part of your day with me.