Christmas is already here and this year there was less time to prepare for it from Thanksgiving than normal. Somehow I’ve managed to be even more prepared than when there was extra time. Decorations are done, tree is up, presents are purchased and wrapped and I’ve had some extra time this month to focus on our family traditions and making this time special. The gift I’m giving to myself and to my husband this year is the gift of time. Time to be together, time to make memories, time to cherish all that we have. Giving yourself and others the gift of time is one of the most precious and most meaningful gifts you can give. 

Imagine what kind of impact you could make on your own life if you gave yourself the gift of more time.

What we’re talking about

–       Our Family Christmas Traditions

–       Giving The Gift Of Time

–       Giving Yourself More Time

Our Family Christmas Traditions

One of our family traditions is having an Advent calendar. It isn’t filled with candy though, it’s filled with things we can do for others and with each other. We baked cookies, visit Santa, write letters to our WWII veteran friends, watch movies and simply spend quality time together. My kids wake up every morning excited to see what is in the calendar and what the day is going to bring. It makes me wish we did this every day of the year! 

Giving The Gift Of Time

This Christmas, I’m giving my husband the gift of time with a fully planned date right down to our babysitter being booked. We’ve talked for years about going to a special place in San Francisco and we are going to start the New Year with a memory there. As parents it’s important to recognize that you need to set aside quality time for yourselves, whether it’s a fancy evening out or just grabbing a quick drink. When you’re spending that special time together, you’re also making memories together.  

Giving Yourself More Time

Giving time to your partner is important, but giving time to yourself is also important. I’m preaching this but I’m also vowing to put it into practice. I want to spend more time for self-care on myself, more time to create content, more time to simply dream about my goals and what I want for the future. I also want my husband to have this kind of time for himself because as individuals, it’s important for us all to have that time to work on a hobby or meet up with friends or simply enjoy some quiet time. 

What gift are you giving yourself this season?