Each year I set a goal to finish decorating by the first day of advent. As I type the house is nearly finished but the plastic tubs are everywhere and the laundry untouched!

Advent is a time to slow down and prepare for the best gift of all. After missing so many Christmas events last year it seems that Christmas opportunities are even more plentiful to make up for 2020. So how do we navigate the season while keeping the reason for the season true in our heart? Not just showing up but truly being present to all of the hope, joy, peace, and love of the season. Starting our day with grateful hearts and ending with thankfulness. If we don’t carve out time now Christmas Day will be here before we realize it!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1644549891/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_535M6J1Z4A5657AD88V0There are 33 days left in this year! Even harder to believe right? So what can you do now to make the most of this precious time? This year I’m taking time to read alone. Yes, we will still do The Advent Wreath and The Jesse Tree as a family but this year I’m reading Bring on the Merry Candance Cameron Bure. In January I’m starting Fighting Words by Ellie Holcomb. By planning now I’m hoping to have a peaceful Christmas and new year! If you read along with me- please let me know!

A friend a church mentioned doing The Cradle-to-Cross Wreath by Ann Voskamp. I ordered it and plan to use it for Lent next year then the following Advent since I don’t think it will make it in time this year.

So friends, how about you? What are you doing this Christmas season and New Year? I’d love to know. I’m praying that your season is filled with hope, peace, joy, and love 🎄

❤️,

Julie

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2