How to Experience Christmas Throughout the Year

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My favorite part of Christmas as an adult has been spending time with my children on Christmas morning and watching their faces light up as they open their presents.

I love having all of them home on the night of Christmas Eve too, celebrating the wonder this time of year has to offer. My husband and I tuck them into bed around 9 p.m., and once they fall asleep we put out their “Santa gifts” in our living room. Santa fills each child’s stocking with candy, toiletries, socks, and underwear. If you still believe in Santa you’ll get a few new toys too. In the morning they look through their stockings and open their gifts from Mom and Dad. It’s one of their favorite times of the year, and ours too.

Did you know that same feeling we get Christmas morning … we can feel it all year? Each day we should strive to make at least one other person feel good about themselves.

Give Compliments

It’s amazing how a simple compliment or gesture can bless someone and brighten their day. It doesn’t even need to involve money. You can give a random stranger a compliment!

If you see someone’s child behaving, tell them.

If you like someone’s outfit, tell them.

I recently complimented the CNA at my doctor’s office because she did such a good job drawing my blood. All I said was, “You did a great job. I barely felt that.” She, in return said, “I appreciate you saying that.” My simple acknowledgment of a job well done was validation that she was meeting patient needs – something she rarely hears firsthand. Who doesn’t want to hear that they are doing a good job?

Have Faith and Believe

The SC State Fair was in town just a few months ago. I really wanted to take my 1 1/2-year-old because she had never been and I knew she would love seeing all of the rides and animals. It wasn’t in our budget at the time, so I accepted that we weren’t going to be able to go. After the fair started, I came across a giveaway for tickets. I participated and prayed that I would win the tickets so I could take my daughter … and I won! My friend and her son were able to enjoy the crisp fall morning with us at the fair. What a blessing!

The carousel is a toddler favorite at the fair!

Pay It Forward

As a stay-at-home mom on a budget, I usually eat at home … but every once in a while I will treat myself to lunch. Recently, I went to Zaxby’s with my 1 1/2-year-old for a much-needed change of pace from the traditional PB&J with goldfish. Luckily, my little one and I can share a chicken finger plate, so my purchase isn’t too expensive when we go out.

When I pulled up to the window to pay, the cashier told me the car in front of me paid for my food. It was such a humbling experience. Many refer to it as “paying it forward,” and it’s also known as the Make A Difference (M.A.D.) campaign — whether that means cutting your neighbor’s grass, watching your friend’s kids so she can have a break, or purchasing a meal for the vehicle behind you in the drive-thru … do a good deed for someone else to brighten their day.

Grinch

Christmas doesn’t have to involve lavish gifts on December 25 alone. Think of ways you can give to others, make a difference in your community, and show others their importance … EVERY day of the year.

What other ways can you experience the joy of Christmas throughout the year?

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