It seems like everywhere you turn, Christmas is upon us. Not that this is a bad thing, but it can get overwhelming. The season is very busy, so much going on with children and school events, church socials and musicals, family obligations, work deadlines, the list goes on. Sometimes it feels as though the very reason we celebrate this special day, to experience the joy and peace and wonder of the birth of Jesus, passes us by because of too many activities.
Now that the children are grown, I don’t have quite as many commitments this time of year and to be honest, I’m glad. Spending a quiet night at home, with the Christmas tree lights on, is enough to satisfy me. I l gaze at the twinkling lights and think about all the wonderful things the Lord has done for me this year. I can reflect on my relationship with Jesus without all the hubbub sapping my time and energy. I sometimes wonder, shouldn’t this be what the holiday is all about?
Trust me, I’m not all humbug. I still love to see excitement on children’s faces. And one day when I have grandchildren, I’m sure I’ll jump back into the busyness found this time of year. But for now, I’ll sit back with a cup of tea and a good book. Or I’ll contemplate continuing my journey with the Lord in the new year.
So, a few tips to get through the stress of the season.
Breathe. If you’re in traffic, waiting in a long line at the store, or bumping into other shoppers, stop and take a deep breath. You’ll feel better.
Smile. Everyone is in such a hurry that sometimes common courtesy is lost. I make a real effort to smile at the cashiers and compliment them if possible, because they deal with the general public all day.
Take five minutes to sit by the tree and relax. Enjoy the twinkling lights. Maybe pull one of your children onto your lap or cuddle with that special someone.
Pray. In your travels you’re bound to come across a harried parent or someone who needs a lift during the holiday preparations. Lifting our prayers for someone else certainly puts put own circumstances in perspective.
These small steps aren’t hard to accomplish, but I believe they’ll give you a fresh perspective this Christmas. Here’s wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
~
I’m pleased to announce my newest Harlequin Heartwarming, HIS ONE AND ONLY BRIDE, available January 2018.
He never thought he’d see her again.
After being reported missing, and presumed dead, globe-hopping photojournalist Mitch Simmons never thought he’d see his estranged wife Zoe again. Yet here he is, back in their coastal Florida town where Zoe is mayor. Turns out she isn’t the only one he left behind.
Discovering he has a baby son awakens thrilling new emotions in Mitch. And there are his still-powerful feelings for the high school sweetheart he vowed to love and honor forever. Thankfully, they’ll have the chance to find the love that was always there…
To celebrate the release, click here to enter my Goodreads giveaway to win one of three signed print copies-going on now until Jan 2.
Pre-order: Amazon
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Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of fifteen novels. Family values, a bit of mystery and, of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Look for her next Harlequin Heartwarming romance, HIS ONE AND ONLY BRIDE, available January 2018 and her Christmas Town novella in the holiday collection, HEARTWARMING HOLIDAY WISHES, available now. Visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at Tara Randel Books.
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