letting some things go

It never fails … every year around this time I have a long list of ‘want to dos’ and very little time left to actually do them.

The list is usually filled with good things: create meaningful gifts for teachers and neighbors, bake favorite christmas treats, wrap presents beautifully, set up the elf in clever ways each night.

You get the idea.

I’m guessing you have a similar list because ’tis the season to go get overwhelmed by our lists of good things.

The truth of it is, as great as the ideas/activities are, some times we just have to let go.

Take, for instance, our family christmas cards.

It was so hard for me to finally come to terms with the fact that in addition to everything else on the list, getting family photos, selecting a design, ordering the cards and then addressing was just not going to happen this year. It actually took me a few days to make the decision to let the cards go. I love having the keepsake each year, I love receiving friends’ cards, for goodness sake JDC started as a custom card company! But allowing myself to let the idea go has really changed my attitude about this holiday season.

Sometimes, no matter how good it may be, you just have to let it go.

My best friend is passionate about healthy eating and gets up early to make a wholesome breakfast for her family. It is something she enjoys and believes in, but sometimes, she says, her life ends up feeling a bit like Groundhog’s day – wake, fix breakfast, do dishes, kids to school, make dinner, do dishes, sleep. Repeat.

Anyone?

She didn’t ask for my opinion but in light of my recent christmas card decision, I gave it anyway: sometimes you just have to let it go. Even though you value healthy eating, it’s okay every now and then to stay in bed and let them grab a bowl of cereal {this coming from the mom who regularly stays in bed while her children make a disaster of the kitchen. What can i say? I value sleep more than a crumb-free floor}.

It may look different for each of us, but I’m guessing we all have a few things to let go.

Holiday cards. Eggs & bacon. Perfectly piped sugar cookies. That last homemade gift on your list.

With only a few days left before Christmas, I’ve made the decision to let go of some things and grab hold of moments with our family that ultimately mean more than darling christmas cards {oh, it still pains me!} and elaborately wrapped gifts.

May you be filled with peace as we move through this most wonderful time of the year.