This month has been chaotic. The race to final grades. Writing as much as I can. And trying to be present with my family. That means the Christmas decorations are a bit light this year. At one point I wasn’t sure we’d get the tree up. Truly. But we did and now there are presents surrounding it.
One thing I’m learning to do is give myself a bit of grace. Life is busy in good ways, but December tends to be one of my busiest months thanks to the college calendar and deadlines. I’m giving myself grace to say that things don’t have to look like the perfection I imagine in my mind.
Instead I can focus on people.
They’re the gift that ultimately has value and purpose.
I don’t think many of them notice the ornaments that are still in the tub and didn’t make it to the tree. That’s something only I know, and therefore, it doesn’t really matter. What does matter is if I can bring a peaceful presence with me.
I don’t always do well at this. But I’m growing. And now I need to write 5,000 words. I wish I was kidding LOL.
As we enter the Christmas season, I wanted to say how grateful I am for you. Continue to the end for the giveaway.
But before that, I just learned that Where Treetops Glisten is on ebook sale until December 22. This is your chance to grab this WWII novella collection I wrote with my friends Tricia Goyer and Sarah Sundin. We had so much fun creating this collection that tells the story of each sibling at Christmas in a different year during WWII.
My book Silver Bell Secrets is also on ebook sale through December 31. This was one of the novella in the Christmas in Mistletoe Square Collection. I love this story because I played with a romantic comedy with a nod to You’ve Got Mail. It also has a mystery that leads into another novella. Such fun!
Now for the giveaway. Thank you for being part of my writing journey. In the coming year, I have three books releasing with more on the horizon. None of that would be possible without you. Thank you!
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Cara, I don’t have kids at home and I don’t do the holiday entertaining these days (that fell years ago to my oldest daughter). So my decorations grow fewer each year. Just enough that I am content. It’s being with those I love that’s important. Yes, give yourself grace. Merry Christmas, friend.
I love Treetops Glisten – one of my favorites!
You are so right, Cara. It took me a long time to recognize the truth in, “Only I know what my plan was,” and to be okay with that. As a retired 5th grade teacher, I struggled each year to get my classroom set up, going in many days before school started, even several years on Labor Day. I stressed until I finally realized bulletin boards didn’t have to be elaborate, nor all of the extra things I created in my classroom. But I’m also reminded for this season of preparing for Christmas parties, and one time when I was still plating some food and rushing around to place and light candles, my son said, “Mom, your guests will forgive you if you don’t have candles, but they won’t forgive you if you don’t have food.”
Merry Christmas!