It couldn't be helped. The moment, the very instant that we had eaten our turkey, played a game of cribbage and finished visiting with the long lost cousins from Colorado it hit me. Christmas.
I have actual conflict in my life over whether I love summer or the Christmas season more. For the moment, whichever is right in front of me is my very favorite time of year. And right now, it is Christmas.
I am talking about listening to Harry Connick Jr., Nat King Cole and Michael Buble. Poring over my address list and carefully ordering family Christmas cards and getting pictures printed to send. Spending hours planning parties, shopping and wrapping gifts. Making presents with my kids to give their teachers. Staying up late making something handmade because I love unique gifts. Going to Starbucks and ordering a tall skinny vanilla latte in a red Christmas cup and pulling my favorite infinite wrap scarf over my head and going to the mall. Planning out my Christmas lists and daydreaming ideas of how to make people smile on Christmas morning. Dressing my babies (ages 9, 5, and 1) in a little holiday sparkle and going to their Christmas programs to watch them sing "Silent Night." Helping them write letters to Santa for themselves and also taking them shopping to make a gift bag for a homeless student their age. Driving around with the whole family watching the lights sparkle and shine, debating about which house is our favorite. I love it all.
Christmas brings out the best and worst in people. At worst (and we've all been there) we are frazzled, busy, broke and regretful. At best we live in the moment, remember that a small handmade gift is treasured just as well or better than an expensive thoughtless trinket, and we soak it all in with careful planning, picture taking and quiet family moments.
When we take the time to plan ahead, overwhelming moments of temptation do not happen as frequently or get the best of us. Plan who you'd like to shop for and set a budget (with money you have) for each person. Believe with all your heart that a well thought and carefully written card is BETTER than any expensive gift you cannot afford.
Plan what you'll eat and when. Before you eat something, think about what it is and what it represents. If you have already decided that you are on the path to health during this Christmas season and beyond, don't give in to a small thing you want NOW that will sabotage a big thing you want in the LONG TERM. If each decision is made based on supporting what you want for yourself long term, you will be successful. If your food decisions are based on a passing whim or fulfilling a short term desire, you will not attain your long term health goals.
We are each the sum total of our long term decision making habits.
Decide today what you want. Make the plan. Live each day between where you are and where you want to be making decisions that support your plan. And do it with a friend! Accountability makes us stronger. Emulate someone who has what you want.
I wish you a Christmas season filled with purpose and hope. I wish you a healthy body, a healthy mind and healthy finances. May your days be merry and bright!
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