×

Title Here

Content Here

×

Title Here

Content Here

×

Title Here

Content Here

Hey guys! I hope everybody had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of turkey, football and family. I know I had a great time with my wife, kids and grandkids. As we launch full force into the Christmas season, it’s important that we go through the season with intentionality instead of letting it slip by!

  1. Be with your family and friends. That means don’t spend your time in line at Target every day! Even though the world around us changes and the marketing gets even more aggressive, we don’t have to give into it. Those “things” will not matter forever in the way that your close people will. And if you are in a new city or suffering a loss this season, then don’t be afraid to reach out to friends—new and old.
  2. Practice out-loud gratitude. Every year, for one day, we take a moment to focus on what we’re grateful for. But why not carry this through the season? When the stress of travel and family get to you, try to instead think of how blessed you are to have the ability to travel and to have a family. And if you practice it out loud, I think you will be surprised how you soften the hearts of those around you. Say thank you for everything you can think of to anyone you come across. Your awareness and kindness might change someone’s day.
  3. Keep a tradition… This is especially important if you are in a time of transition. Don’t be afraid to uphold the traditions even if you aren’t able to celebrate in the exact same way. If you’re stranded away from family and friends this season, then go ahead and cook some of the same food for yourself to connect with your past. Traditions have a way of reminding us of who we are and where we’ve come from.
  4. But don’t be afraid to break a tradition either! Or make a new one. People change and life is unexpected. If you’re struggling with cancer or a job loss, don’t be afraid to break the traditions that might cause too much stress this year. If you can’t travel home, that’s okay! Make your own traditions and incorporate some of the old with the new. Let your family and friends know where you’re at and see if they’re up to trying something different this year.
  5. Give something away. This is definitely a season of consumerism. We all get a little bit of a “treat-myself” mentality. But try this year to open up your heart and let something go. Donate to a homeless shelter or join up with Operation Christmas Child. Send messages of encouragement to our military who aren’t able to be home. If you can involve your kids with you in these, then you’ll also be preparing their hearts for a lifetime of generosity. And who knows? Maybe you’ll develop a lasting tradition for your family!
  6. Treat your wallet and your weight with respect. For many of us, November-December is the time to splurge—with food and money! And while it definitely is a time for celebration and relaxation, make sure you don’t go overboard. If you’re actively trying to lose weight for your health, maybe take a second thought before you go back for those Christmas cookies. And instead of buying gifts and random, plan them out with intentionality. That will prevent you from over-spending. Set yourself a Christmas budget and stick to it.

Thanks for taking the time to read this blog! I hope you all have an awesome Christmas season full of joy and love. If you like, leave a comment letting me know what helps you really enjoy the season!

Join me every Friday for tips on investing in yourself and others.