It’s hard to believe that November is coming to an end. With December right around the corner, that means we’re closer to Christmas. If you know me, you know I’m big on Christmas. I love love love the holidays! But something I noticed is that every year I come up with a mental list of things of I want to do (with friends, family, or by myself) and never follow through with it.
SO! This year, I decided to write them all out, throw in out into the web-iverse, and actually accomplish some.
2017 Christmassy Goals…
- Go to a Christmas Market – Every single year my bestie and I talk about going to the Christmas market that happens in Vancouver. We always say we will, try to make the plan, but end up not going. But this year I want to actually do it. Christmas markets have vendors who sell all things holiday (gift giving ideas??), yummy food, and all the hot apple cider you can drink. What could be more festive than that?
- Buy a REAL Christmas Tree – I still live at home (it’s not uncommon for 20-somethings to live at home OKAY?!), and last year the fam and I decided to ditch the fake tree and buy a real one. We are going to definitely do it again this year (followed by decorating, hot chocolate, and christmas music!). There’s nothing more festive than the smell of a real christmas tree.
- Ride a Christmas train – My little nephew, his parents (my besties), and I normally go to the pumpkin patch every year… however, this year we decided to switch it up and go to the Stanley Park (Vancouver) Christmas train. I’m mostly adding this to my list so I can have an excuse to look at beautiful lights and snuggle my nephew.
- Finish all my Christmas shopping EARLY – Tbh, I’m doing really well with this. It’s mid-November as I write this and I’m proud to say I’m almost done. The plan is to have all my gifts bought and wrapped by the first week of December so it’s out of the way and I don’t have to do any last minute Christmas shopping.
- Watch all the Christmas movies – I love Christmas movies and every year I plan which ones I want to watch and never follow through with it. My mom and I are suckers for a good Hallmark Christmas movie so this year we plan on DVR-ing all the good ones with the addition of the classics (Love Actually, The Holiday, etc).
- Take a Picture with Santa – You’re never too old to see Santa… and did you know you can take a picture with Santa AND your dog? Yup! My 4 year old German Shepherd and I have done it for the last two years and you betcha we’re going to do it again this year!
- Catch a Christmas Show – I can’t remember the last time I’ve been to the theatre, but I want to see the Nutcracker this year!
- Send Christmas Cards – We’ve kinda lost touch with how meaningful sending a Christmas card can be, what with the internet and e-cards. So I want to bring that back and send them to my friends. Plus, everyone loves getting mail!
- Take in every minute – It’s SO easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. This year, I want to take in every minute of it… to not get lost in the business of the holidays, and to enjoy. I want to turn off my phone and be present, especially when I’m with my family. These moments are precious and I think it’s so easy to get lose track of it in such a fast paced society.
- Remember the reason for the season – Christmas isn’t just about the beautiful lights, spending time with family, or catching a Christmas show. Yeah it’s fun and there’s totally nothing wrong with it! The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, cherished and spent with those you love. But – It’s also about Christ. It’s about his birth and why he was born – to save us. I want to appreciate that… and ultimately praise God for sending his Son.
What are some of your Christmas goals?
J. xx
