FAMILY.
I'll say it again... FAMILY.
You can't spell FAMILY without ILY (I love you)!!!
But seriously, Family is everything. The people YOU consider family are the ones that have your back even when you're wrong. But they are also the people that will pull you aside and tell you when you're wrong. Family. They are the people that will love you even when you mess up, fall down, or crash and burn. They support you on the highest mountain top and pull you out of your deepest hole.
Family is always important, but especially this time of year. Spending time with the fam jam can make for THE best memories. And who knows?? It could start a tradition that is passed down for years to come. Gifts are awesome and so much fun, but those things fade. You throw out the toys you wanted as a kid, you grow out of the clothes you thought you needed as a teen, but you never forget the memories made with family.
My Mimi started giving us experiences instead of gifts every Christmas when I was in elementary school. When I think about Christmas, the first thing that comes to mind are the things I got to do, not the things I got. One year she surprised us with tickets to see the Rockettes. Another year it was as simple as going to 2 movies in 1 day. Which may not seem like a big deal now, but as a kid we thought we hit the jackpot.
It's too easy to take your loved ones for granted. We forget that seasons of life will change, death is an inevitable and sometimes unexpected thing, and all the other kinks that life throws our way. So hold your family close this season and make lots of memories because I can guarantee that's what you will carry with you for the rest of your life. And let's get REAL, family time is just good for the SOUL.
So, this Christmas season I challenge you to give your loved ones an experience they'll never forget. Here are 5 easy ideas to put into action in the next few weeks.
1. Let's go to the MOVIES!
For all my movie lovers, this is such an easy way to get the family together! Plan to eat at home or meet at a restaurant beforehand and take your time heading to your nearest movie theatre for a holiday treat! OR have a movie night at home! This way, you can wear your pajamas and be super cozy. Grab all the hot chocolate and popcorn your heart desires and pile on the couch, in the floor, or on a blow up mattress with your favorite people. Change it up every year or pick a movie that becomes THE movie of the Christmas season each year.
2. LIGHT up the night!
Visit your nearest light show where you live! What's more fun than piling in the car and riding through a show of lights or simply visiting all of your neighbors yards to see all the festive decor. Pack snacks and drinks and blast Christmas music throughout the whole night. The simple things really are the sweetest things.
3. HE is the reason for the season!
My absolute FAVORITE thing to do with family around this time of year is attend a Christmas church service. Remembering the real reason for Christmas surrounded by your loved ones is so sweet and good for the soul. Plan to eat dinner afterward and make a night of it.
4. Take a TRIP!
This trip does not have to be long or expensive. Make it a weekend trip to an amusement park that has special holiday attractions or to see a seasonal show such as the Rockettes at the Grand Ole Opry in Tennessee. Wherever you go, the memories will be the best part of the year!
5. Reindeer GAMES!
If you're running short on time, this is an easy one. Plan a holiday game night! Get Pinterest inspired. One of my favorite games that we play is so simple! Just divide into 2 teams and designate 1 person to be the judge. The judge holds a basket filled with different Christmas songs on individual pieces of paper. Each team sends 1 member to draw a song. After you get your song, you have to illustrate that song on a big piece of paper while your team tries to guess what it is. No words. Just drawing. It's SO much fun! Check out this link for more fun holiday games! https://pin.it/viau6s5pqumfkn
Whatever you do, just have fun with the ones you love. It will last a lot longer than the new clothes, makeup pallets, or shoes. If you have lost your loved ones or this Christmas season will just be different than you've ever known, I encourage you to spend time with the people that you can and know that I am praying that you will be covered in God's love and peace because you are the soul purpose.
Sooo precious ❤️