No Husband Left Behind
HIM & HER — Together (on the Same Page)
[Challenge]
Family Holiday Planning
When you think about “celebrating” the holidays, do you get “excited” or “cringe”? So much work and preparations. Well, why not consider starting a little earlier this year. Working “with” your spouse, take a moment and consider what you “do” want to do and what you “do not” want to do this time. Waiting until the last minute will only add unnecessary stress and increased frustration.
[Planning]
As we begin considering how to “plan” for your time of celebration, start with your other half next to you. The love of your life should be actively involved in this step. Be sure that both of you are willing to work “together” on the strategic preparations. You will accomplish so much more by simply coming in to agreement, together.
Of course, you could invite some of those “crazy” relatives from out-of-state. Or, you could just keep it very local. The choice is completely yours. Before sending out any invites, be sure you have sufficient available room. The furniture can be moved and the room re-organized for extra space (if necessary and if you are willing).
Also, consider your budget and desired spending level as soon as possible. Please avoid going in to debt for this time of celebration. You will likely remember your family time together for “years” to come, but you will not want to still be making “payments” once the festivities have concluded.
[Feasting]
Once your “location” is decided and to your liking, you will want to begin that list of “favorite” food dishes. Remember to be extra careful in your selections if anyone is dealing with food “allergies” or other health concerns. Also, some people will just not eat “everything”. Some variety will usually be wise for “varied” taste buds.
After your list of food items is complete, you can decide to purchase your groceries either locally, online, or both. Truly there is no reason to complicate things, unless you cannot get your favorite “holiday” ingredients in your “local” market. Remember to review all of your recipes in advance before this special day. Your cookbooks or online recipes may ask for things requiring some advanced notice. Remember, you can always identify a “substitute” for certain items.
While some people will enjoy working in the kitchen, others may be better suited for helping with any last-minute “decorating”. Making the event very festive should add that extra excitement in the atmosphere. You are welcomed to do as “much” or as “little” decorating as you desire. Try to avoid wearing yourself out before any “visiting” relatives arrive.
[Sharing]
Probably the most important reason to celebrate the holiday season is to invest some high-quality time with the people you love. Sure, the food is important. And the decorations are inspiring. But the absolute best thing will be your time “together” enjoying each other’s company. This will probably be what most enjoy the “most” and remember the “longest”.
You are strongly encouraged to incorporate your “Christian” identity in to your event. This time of celebration can and should include scripture reading, prayer time, testimonies, etc. By the way, you will want to consider having areas of your home set up to accommodate both “standing” and “sitting”. This will allow some flexibility for everyone, especially those who enjoy moving around a little.
If you are planning to have any younger children participating, consider having a “story” which can be read by someone (or everyone). Of course, you can always have the “audiobook” version doing the work for you (maybe not the same). Lastly, consider having a gift or present for each person. Even a light “snack” for later will be thoughtful and appreciated.
From one who forever remains…
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo
Christian Community for Married Men and Women — (Knights) & (Damsels)