I scowled up at him, offering my best pouty face with a hint of teasing in my eyes. He knew that I knew that he was right. And I knew that he knew that I was disappointed.
I’d planned a meaningful + memorable Christmas party. From scrumptious food to fun games, I wanted to invite a few of our closest friends for an enjoyable evening celebrating the Christmas season together.
But there was no time in our schedule. We had said “yes” to so many other activities. Activities that we knew we would enjoy. But because we’d already said “yes” and filled up our schedule, we had to say “no” to hosting a Christmas party.
I so wanted to host our first Christmas party in our home. My husband is wise. And I knew he was right.
Do you want to know a little secret? The other big thing we said “no” to this December?
Decorating for Christmas.
We do not have a Christmas tree. We have not hung up our stockings. There are no snowmen, no holly, no ornaments placed ever so thoughtfully throughout our home.
We have been busy. I have been under the weather. We have said “yes” to so many things, that for us it would be more stressful to haul out the Christmas boxes and invest valuable time in decorating our home. So we agreed that the Christmas lights Mr. E. hung outside on Thanksgiving weekend are enough.
My parents always told me, “Saying ‘yes’ to something means you’ll say ‘no’ to something else.” And it’s true. Saying “no” to Christmas decorations is tough, but I sure have enjoyed all the things I’ve said “yes” to this month!
The whole “yes” vs. “no” thing? Yeah, it’s true for blogging too. Creating more margin in my life is a huge goal of mine, and that means saying “no” more often than saying “yes.” But being the people pleaser that I am, it’s hard to say “no.” Is it hard for you too?
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P.S. If your name is Janna or Stephanie – congrats ladies! You won the Lane Bryant giveaway! I’ll e-mail you today!
@aroyaldaughter
Christian Lifestyle Blogger + Inspirational Writer. Web, Blog, & Graphic Designer.
In the Midst of the Storm http://t.co/SjK66f920y - 3 hours ago
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I so needed this! I am a people pleaser to the extreme! I love the way your parent’s put it “Saying ‘yes’ to something means you’ll say ‘no’ to something else.” I will have to remember this!! We got some of our Christmas decorations up this year, but it’s pretty minimal. I’ve also been chomping at the bit to hold a Christmas party, we said Yes to the church production this year; but won’t next year so we can say yes to family time at home (and possibly a party).
I’ve been working on this since all the talk about “margin” at Influence
Oh and also, YAY for winning! Thank you!!
I am such a people pleaser too so I understand the whole yes and no thing. It’s soooo hard for me to say no because I just want to make others happy around me, even if it means that I will be miserable. At the cost of another person’s hurt feelings, I’d rather swallow my own than do it to someone else. Next years resolution though… I will say no more b/c I have to! Thanks for sharing!
It is very hard for me to say “No”. Like you, I want to help, and I’m a people pleaser. I really got burned out a few years ago and pretty much had to turn down/give up everything but attending church and homeschooling. It was hard, but VERY necessary. I have found that I’m saying “Yes” more than I should lately. I can see/feel the results. I need to start saying “No” again as well.
I learned the balance thing the hard way. It’s a hard lesson…and one I keep forgetting. Be grateful for a wise and loving husband. This just might be your best Christmas yet.
May you be overwhelmed with joy this Christmas!
Linking up my Creativity vs Balance post this week. Have a great Christmas
Sarah @ A Cat-Like Curiosity
I too have learned that saying no is hard but sometimes your schedule is just too full. At the time, it may seem like you can handle it all especially when it’s something you REALLY want to do.
In the past few months, since writing THIS POST I’ve realized that saying “no” to some things is okay in order to say “yes” to others, and vice versa.
I don’t have any Christmas decorations up this year either. There’s just too much going on.
I think I first heard Dr. Dobson talk about the fact that when we say yes to one thing we end up saying no to several others, therefore we need to discern between the good and the best.
Regarding the Christmas lights and lack of other Christmas decor: I think they’re perfect. I may decide to do something similar next year – simple nativity and house lights.
John 8:12 says Jesus is the light of the world.
Angels appeared in great glory (some translate it “light”) to share the good news of his incarnation to the shepherds. Luke 2:9
The light of the star hovered over Bethlehem, leading the wise men to the manger. Matthew 2
Ephesians 5:8 says “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light”
Because of Him, the light of the world, we now live in the Light.
Your Christmas decorations are perfect.
Perfect.
Mom
I sooooo understand! I decided to forego the whole Christmas Card thing. Taking the perfect photo, writing the letter, addressing,….it was just more than I could wrap my brain around this month. And since my DD went Gluten free a couple years ago, the baking of a dozen different cookies has all but stopped as well. And this year we aren’t traveling either!! It’s a little different, but liberating! Merry Christmas!
Other than the wreath on our front door, I don’t have Christmas decorations up this year either.