It’s the day after Christmas (Boxing Day) and the excitement of the holidays shouldn’t die down because Christmas Day has come and gone. Rather, feelings should heighten because there is still so much to look forward to. However, there are five things you should do today to prepare yourself for the days ahead.
1. Rest
It’s been a month or more of preparations. This is a day to rest. To stay in your pajamas, lounge over extra cups of cocoa or coffee, linger over meals that are shared in a relaxed fashion. Take the day slowly and don’t say yes to anything that isn’t urgent. Play with family members, take a nap, watch movies, let the house get messy (if you want). Whatever you do, take the time to recharge yourself and be present with those you love most.
2. Reflect
This is the time of year to look back over all the blessings that have come your way. Good news from the doctor, promotions at work, milestones for the kids, travels and adventures, personal growth, the list could be a mile long. Start collecting those blessings, either on paper or in your head, and watch as your cup overflows.
3. Rejoice
Remember why you’ve just spent a month preparing. Yes, the holidays are fun: having an excuse to be generous towards others, to travel, to see family are all good traditions, but Jesus is the reason for the season. Read the story with fresh eyes.
4. Relish
Take in the day with loved ones. Enjoy another treat baked with love. Snuggle deeper into the couch with your family. Go for a walk and admire the lights. Pull out and enjoy some of those gifts from the previous day: watch live boxing shows(after all it’s Boxing Day), crack open the new book, get into the kitchen and make something delicious. Find a way not just to rest, but to truly savor the season before it melts into the freshness of the New Year.
5. Ready
Prepare your heart for the New Year. After you’ve spent time reflecting on the months that just passed, what does your mind land on? Is there a word that resonates in your heart? What thought or idea bubbles up from inside of you with anticipation for the next year? Write it down and take time thinking about how this one idea is going to shape the coming months. How can you ready yourself for what is to come?
