We’re now in the throes of busy December. How is your current peace level?
Even though I’ve written a book titled Christmas Peace for Busy Moms, I’m struggling to keep my peace intact.
Many tasks, activities, and obligations abound in the next couple weeks. If I survey them all at once, overwhelm threatens.
That’s why I’m seeking practical steps to find peace in the midst of holiday stress. Here are five ways I’m reaching out for last-minute Christmas peace.
Prefer to listen? Here’s the podcast episode:
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Pamper Yourself with an At-Home Spa Treatment
Recently I opened my bathroom cabinet for a new bar of soap and was taken aback by all the beauty products I have in storage. I can carve out 15 minutes before Christmas to give myself a facial, soak my feet in bath salts, paint my nails a pretty holiday color, and slather my dry skin in scented lotion—all for free! This short pampering treatment will give me much-needed time to recharge and fill me with a sense of peace.
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Combine a Funny Movie with a Holiday Task
Still have presents to wrap or cookies to decorate? Start a funny movie and make your work more enjoyable. Laughter lightens the stressful load and grants fresh perspective. Our family likes the comedy in Elf, and if I enlist their help in wrapping gifts while we watch, peace will multiply.
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Jot Down an Essentials List
Few things cause more last-minute stress than running to the store to purchase basics. Make a list now of essentials such as:
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Facial tissues
- Plastic resealable bags or food wrap
- Paper plates and plastic utensils
- Paper napkins
- Toothpicks
- Bags of ice
- Pet food
- Lighters
- Batteries
- Tape
- Gift tags
- Wrapping paper
- Detergent
- Anti-bacterial wipes
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Pain relievers
If you have Amazon Prime, go ahead and place your order. But if you’re like me and prefer to shop in-store, plan an early morning or late evening trip to avoid the lines and crowds. Bonus: you may gain peace from a quiet shopping trip all by yourself at an odd time of day!
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Clean One Neglected Area
In busy December I slip into survival mode with house chores, which amounts to washing dishes, laundry, and vacuuming. If I set a timer and tackle just one neglected area, I am guaranteed to find instant peace. Fifteen minutes will pay off big in organizing the accumulated papers and magazines on my kitchen counter. I could also use 15 minutes to sweep my front porch or tidy up my messy desk. Which area will give you the biggest peace payout in exchange for 15 minutes of cleaning?
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Flip Through Old Photos
When I look through the scrapbooks of our past family Christmases, a smile spreads across my face, no matter my stress level. Seek out the funny moments, the times that brought you joy. I love seeing the wonder on my children’s baby faces again. They enjoy looking at family pictures too, remembering toys they received and marveling at how much they have grown. This annual activity infuses my heart with peace.
Here are five practical ways you can find last-minute Christmas peace. #selfcare #organization #Christmaspeace Click To Tweet
Looking for more ways to find Christmas peace? Check out my book Christmas Peace for Busy Moms and visit my library to access the online study.
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