Loving My Actual Christmas- Meeting Recap

Loving my Actual Christmas
by Alexandra Kuykendall

written by Caelli Koehler

Tis the season to be merry! Said no Mom ever! Christmas has become a stress filled, late night wrapping, last minute gift shopping nightmare. Christmas has become stressful and no longer joyful. How can that be? It is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, yet most Mother’s out there often times dread it. Using phrases like “I survived the holiday” and “I’m glad it’s over.”

Alexandra Kuykendall presented us with some thoughts on how the hustle of the holidays has brought us to a halt with our Christmas cheer. Money, time and extended family are the common holiday stressors that put extra tension on our already overfilled daily lives.

 She brings about discussions on how to re-focus this beautiful time of the year. Targeting on hope, love, joy and peace. What do each of these mean to you? What does it mean to be hopeful, loved, joyful and at peace. Learning how to figure out your “how” of Christmas and “why” of Christmas. These are just some of the thoughts presented to us in our video lecture.

So what are the solutions to these holiday stressors? How do we take back Christmas?

First we start with the annoying B word …. Budget! Create a budget that works well for your family and try to stick with it. Is it realistic, possibly…do-able YES! Prioritize what expenses are most important first, then work backwards. I’ll be the first to say budgeting is hard during the Christmas season, especially when you want to have that special Christmas. Do what you can and let it be.

Secondly, managing your time well with holiday adventures is no easy feat. Alexandra Kuykendall suggests putting three main holiday events on your calendar, then filling in smaller events throughout the month of December, and EVEN AFTER Christmas. We don’t have to jam everything in the few weeks before Christmas. Doing so will eventually leave you over-spent, tired and so over it!

Thirdly, giving our extended family acknowledgement during the season. Understanding there are two separate sets of expectations and traditions, which for some, are all crammed into the holiday season. This is probably one of the more difficult times of juggling motherhood and being present in our extended families. With that said, as mother’s sometimes we need to be comfortable with saying no to the extended family as to not stretch our own inner family too thin. This should be done politely, using phrases like “no not this time, maybe next year” or “how about after the holidays.”

Lastly, Alexandra Kuykendall leaves us with the core of Christmas. Remembering exactly why we celebrate. Not the gifts, Christmas cards, eggnog or Santa pictures, but the birth of Jesus. If we want to love our Christmas mess, we need to love God’s story. If we sit down and wish Christmas could be different, then we have missed out on the magic of Christmas.

Our Mentor Mom, Jan Jung tied her presentation in with Alexandra Kuykendall’s message perfectly. She said to “ponder what is important.” Utilize your efficient vs. effective cards and start with love.

May your Christmas season be filled with an abundance of love and joy, a peaceful gathering with family and a hopeful Christmas night.

~ Caelli