Holidays in Hand: Values and Goals for this Holiday Season

Today is the first day of Jessica Sprague's free digital/hybrid scrapbooking class, Holidays in Hand. Our first assignment is to write down our values and goals for the holiday season, which will, in turn, help to shape not only how we scrapbook Christmas, but also how we live it.

Here is what I came up with after contemplating it today:

1. Spirituality - We need to really concentrate on the true meaning of the season. Mass twice weekly, confession for all those applicable, and family rosaries should help. Advent candle lighting on Sunday is a tradition I'd like to continue this year. Also, I would love to attend Midnight Mass if possible. For me personally, increase bible study and prayer time.

2. Health - More than anything, our holiday season is defined by our family's health. We are going to do our best to contain croup, flu, and stomach illnesses in December by practicing good handwashing habits, limiting exposure as much as possible, and getting enough sleep.

3. Peace - Freedom from the "I wants" and "the gimmes." A realistic shopping list that stays within a budget, and lots of low-cost but high-enjoyment family pastimes like game playing, lights drive-bys, reading Christmas books and watching Christmas movies from our family library. All shopping will be completed by the first week of December or so. Teacher gifts will most likely be handmade, but our Christmas cards will be digitally-created and then printed.

And that is it. A focus on family and not overdoing it this year.