by Alena Wendall, @alenawendall
We enjoyed a fantastic, stress-free Thanksgiving. It was so easy, but I wondered why previous Thanksgiving’s seemed so complicated. I tried to think of the things I changed over the years and realized a few things.
I wanted to share them as Christmas is less than a month away. I hope they help you enjoy celebrating the birth of our Savior!
- Focus on Presence, not gifts. The kids will love the gifts, but time with you as a family will be what they remember, not the most expensive gift. I still laugh at some of the antics of my siblings and parents during the holidays. The only gift I remember was the Barbie. And y’all, I’m a grandma now — that’s a lot of years to only remember the Barbie.
- Keep The Meal Simple. Plan a simple meal ahead of time. Our favorite dishes are the family staples: Ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls. My children are now all adults, and the most requested foods are family staples. They never ask for anything served at a Michelin-star restaurant, so why stress yourself out?
- Learn To Let Go. Thanksgiving, I forgot to defrost items and only realized it once I was ready to use them. I found some alternatives and moved on. And you know, nobody noticed that I substituted one thing for another. (This was one time I was happy to use Alexa).
- Include The Kids. I can’t remember when, maybe when the oldest was five years old. Every occasion I had all the able children helping prepare the meal. It didn’t matter how small the task was. Whether it was peeling potatoes, or pouring marshmallows over the yams, everyone was in the kitchen. Those were great times and memories. Over the years, all four of my children learned to do everything. It still tickles me to see my 26-year-old son making the apple pie!
- Play The Game. Buy Paper Plates. That wasn’t a typo. I’ve converted to disposable plates. I never thought I would use anything but real dishes or the fine China. But since then, I’ve used paper plates and throwaway plastic containers. I pitch the paper plates after and send family home with the containers of leftovers. (Honestly, I do not know how to cook for a family under 8 so there is always plenty of food left over). Instead of washing dishes, play games with your kids and extended family.
The older I get the faster time flies. Let’s spend time on what’s truly important, the best gift of all. Emmanuel!
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 NIV
Blessings!
Alena
Writing as Alena Wendall, Alena Tauriainen pens contemporary Christian romance novels that always end with a happily ever after. By day, she partners with her lifelong mate Clyde, to run the family HVAC business. She manages both business and family life with four lovable but crazy kids. She is the Retreats Coordinator for My Book Therapy. She is represented by Rachelle Gardner with Books & Such Literary Management. Visit her at alenawendall.com.