Like many things in 2021, the holidays might look a little different this year. That doesn't mean they can't be peaceful, joyful, and cultivated, though! Our team put together this Wildcard page just for you: to help you focus on what matters this season, and let go of the rest. It might be just what you've been looking for!
After you've identified your priorities, there's a space on the worksheet to list a few action items for the season ahead. This isn't meant to be an exhaustive to do list, but instead a way to highlight what is most important to you! If you need a few ideas of what to add to your worksheet or Tending List, we gathered a few below - and would love to hear your ideas in the comments, too!
Preparing well for the holidays:
- Order holiday cards
- Update your address book
- Plan your calendar, accounting for travel plans/guests, activities, events, and babysitters, if necessary
- Choose a devotional or faith focus (have to recommend our Write the Word™ Advent bundle!)
- Draw names for family or friend gift picks
- Coordinate holiday plans with family or friends
- Make a gift plan (Emily on our team likes to use a Google Doc - one sheet for each year, so she can easily go back and look at what she gave in past years!)
- Buy tickets for special holiday activities
- Gather your gift wrapping supplies and put them in an easy-to-access location
- Make a budget (include gifts, activities, events, and extras like decor or pajamas!)
- Brainstorm holiday food (big "event" meals and smaller ones, too!)
- "Clear the decks" before adding in holiday decor. Tidy trouble spots, throw away trash, and remove extra items from surfaces.
- Make a plan for generosity and service
Enjoying the holidays:
- Pay for the person behind you in the drive-through line
- Donate toys to a local organization
- Bake treats and gift them to friends or neighbors
- Work on a puzzle
- Read favorite holiday stories
- Drive (or walk!) to look at houses with their holiday lights
- Make a homemade wreath with live evergreen branches
- Host a holiday movie marathon
What holiday items have you added to your November or December Tending List? We'd love to hear!
Emily Thomas
It’s hard to focus when your brain is cluttered—but a fruitful, purposeful life requires it. Sift out the important from the unimportant with the Refresh Brain Dump Journal—now available in a chic Gold Stripes cover!
The Write the Word® | Psalms Boxed Set is back! Experience this refreshed and beautifully updated way to be in the Word. Three hardcover journals, new prompts and verses, and so much peace on every page.
1 comment
I’m glad that I read this blog though it’s early October. The holidays come quickly. Two years ago, I tried to do it all. I was so tired. Last year, I planned more and reduced my expectations and tried to do our favorite traditions. It was a lot more relaxed than the year prior. This year, I want to have more intentions on the feelings and connection that I want for my family. So, I’m starting earlier this year and can’t wait to enjoy all the wonderful moments of the season.