Christmas 2016

Hello friends,

Every year since Michael and I were married in 2006, I have sent Christmas cards to a pretty respectable list of people. I love sharing the joy and love of the holidays and updating you all on our family happenings. As we began to add little people to our family, we sent cards with pictures so we could share how they were growing. It’s a tradition that I truly love.

So why no cards this year? I have been asked by a few people so I decided to explain and offer a virtual card; despite how tacky the sound of a “virtual christmas card” sounds.

In a nut shell, I have decided to scale back to basics this year. I have 3 amazing kids and an awesome husband who want to spend time with me as their mommy/wife and I want to be more available this year. In past years I have invested a lot of time in a lot of activities and projects for Christmas. All of those activities and projects were family centered and done out of love for my minions but they required a lot of time and mental and emotional space. The matching outfits, homemade tutu skirts, professional pictures, hand made hair bows, cards, sewing projects, truck loads of baking, and trips all over the place.

I don’t regret a second of the time or energy I spent on all those things and they all made for great memories. However, this year, Michael and I were ready for a change of pace.

Our family has been dealing with a lot over this past year and it has taught me that, at the end of the day, family is all that matters. Being there for people, loving people, putting others first; those are the foundations of a truly happy and meaningful life. When everything crashes and go wrong, when you are exhausted to the bone, when you are broken hearted, when you are afraid…that is when the real bond between family members pulls you through.

Life has a way of using the little things to pull people apart. Stupid little spats and misunderstands, differing opinions, different life styles and different points of view seem to be the biggest culprits in causing micro-tears in the ties between families. It seems like the smallest of issues pile up to be the biggest problems. But here’s the thing, when the real tests come and family members are in the hospital and life is on the line, all those insignificant things tend to fade away.

I want my family to know that I love them. I want them to know beyond doubt that I will be there for them and care about what is happening in their life.

But back to the original point, the thing about all those wonderful ideas and projects and trips is that they do come at a cost. Next year, I will probably be back to feeling willing to pay that cost or maybe a scaled back version, but this year I just wanted to invest in my family. The cost of mommy being stressed to tears or exhausted or snappy or distracted just seemed like too much to pay.

So, instead of sitting at the table working on Christmas cards, I’m making popcorn and watching Frosty for the 3rd time. Instead of running out to Joanns to buy more ribbon for bows, I’m going to fold my laundry so that my house feels more comfortable and less cluttered. Instead of flipping on netflix for the kids so that I can focus on my extensive pinterest project list, I’m going to play with them in the back yard. I want to make dinner for my hubby instead of asking him to pick up something on the way home.

It is still busy and I know there will be moments of stress, but all I really want for Christmas this year is to invest in strengthening my family’s bond.

So here is your virtual card:

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas! We are wishing you all a peaceful and wonderful holiday filled with what really matters. We pray for you and love you all!

In Christ’s Love,

Michael, Holly, Jonah (5), Haven (3) and Laelynn (1)