10 Instructions for Life at Christmas
In making our homes, it’s easy to get caught up in stuff. I know that I do. But it’s never the stuff that truly makes our homes what they are. It’s the people and the attitudes. So the other day I began cultivating a list of instructions on how I could bring my best attitude forward during the holiday.
I thought this little project would be a nice way to bring us together for a brief moment while we still have time to sit still before Christmas. The list is incomplete. It’s the sort of list that maybe we can never complete. Still, I’d love your additions. Ideas, laws, rules – they can never be formed by one person alone. It is a collective effort. Please share some thoughts and see how we all feel. Tell us: what two instructions would you add to our list of ten to bring out the best Christmas cheer?

10 Instructions for Life at Christmas
- Look people in the eye when you say “thank you”.
- Give people more than they expect, and do so happily.
- Never interrupt when someone is flattering you.
- Remember that not getting what you want often turns out to be exactly what you needed.
- Be gentle with our earth.
- Compliment others and mean what you say.
- Help when no one asks you to.
- Remember the the three Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle because every bit helps.
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December 16th, 2008 at 9:41 am
What a great exercise Katie – I had a similar conversation with my husband yesterday morning! I would add 9) Say I love you to the people you love! and 10) enjoy the little things — the twinkly lights, the delight of a child, the faces of your family settling down around you for a meal, and on an on….Also, I just love that image – so peaceful and festive at the same time!
December 16th, 2008 at 11:10 am
One we stress in our home, “Remember that receiving a gift is an expression of love from someone who cares about you very much, not just getting stuff.” :0)
December 16th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
9. Don’t forget your good behavior – say thank you & please.
10. Sit down, take a deep breath, relax & enjoy holidays with your friends and family.
December 16th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Unfortunately for me, the holidays are now intricately linked with end of semester grading which can be a real downer for me. So I would add one (for myself) that says something along the lines of:
9. Your students’ effort (or lack there of) is not an indication of your worth as a teacher.
And for number 10…
10. When Christmas is done for the year, I rarely remember the presents. But I do remember the time, the memories and the laughs. Give those you love as much time, and attention as you can.
December 16th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
I’m pretty bah-humbug about Christmas. It is my least favorite holiday. I think it’s the stress. Even before I was married, I had way too many family obligations – comes from a family of divorce. Maybe as Brice gets older i’ll find a way to enjoy it more. I’m hoping. But, I would have to add: Giving is not always about tangible things. By that I mean, a gift can be watching a friends kids, taking someones Christmas photo, designing a Christmas card on the computer for a friend, etc… So many people forget about their personal gifts and what they have to offer their friends and family. …although, this could techincally fall under “reduce”. :) And I definatly agree with enjoy the little things.
December 16th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
What a great list. I would add, 9. Take a deep breath and look around. There are so many things to enjoy, but are easily missed when you are wrapped up in the stresses of the season. And 10. Learn to listen. When you slow down and listen to friends and family you can hear whats on there hearts and minds. Maybe it’s a friend in need of a break or a family struggling to get by. Whatever it is, it could easily be helped by a listening ear.
December 16th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
I agree with the others, but especially with Christy – the first comment up there – she said it perfectly!
December 17th, 2008 at 12:47 am
Hi! Visiting from Swap-bot :-) I enjoyed the read! Great kitchen :-)
December 17th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
The gift of time. One blogger stated how she and her husband along with a group of friends took the time to rake all the leaves from an elderly couple’s large yard. From her pictures, there were a lot of leaves. A big job for an elderly couple. I thought that was a wonderful thing for them to do. The gift of time or service to help someone else.
December 18th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Donate something, whether it be time, food, supplies, or money, to an organization that you believe in. You’ll feel good just doing it!
December 19th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Mary said what I would have added. Remember the less fortunate. You’d be amazed at what your gift can accomplish. And, if you can combine it with those from several others — WOW!
December 19th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Stop the stress and enjoy and experience
Try to put aside expectations