Purposeful

I've failed at the blog this year. I'm not even going to try to hide behind any excuses. Meh, it happens.

Moving on.

But today is December 1, and instead of trying to make a New Year's resolution I know I'll break, I'm going to try to be purposeful this month.  Including the blog. :) So stay tuned and stick around, because I am really going to try to focus a little energy and love on this blog.

It's an amazing month, December.  A busy month. Full of bright lights, stressed shoppers, overspending, over-indulging, and caffeinated adults (ahem, points finger at self). So, to help focus me (and as a result, my family), I've taken the lead from friends who make December purposeful.  We are celebrating advent in our home with simple, fun activities every day from December 1-24. To be honest, most of the things we would do anyway--talk about the nativity and read about Jesus' birth, go look at Christmas lights, watch a Christmas movie, etc. But some activities are very purpose-driven--taking the time to go through the Samaritan's Purse catalog with Madeline and selecting items to give, writing letters to teachers telling them why we are thankful for them, writing letters to family members telling them why we love them, delivering goodies to neighbors, donating to the Salvation Army bells ringers.

This time of year I always think of Mary.  Jesus' birth.  Two years ago, as I was very large with child myself, I couldn't shake the thought of Mary being soooo pregnant and riding a donkey, and giving birth in a barn, so I wrote about it. And now that I have given birth (versus a c-section), I'd like to add that I'm not sure how Mary got back ON the donkey and then rode on it AFTER giving birth. Oi.

Christmas is, after all, about that first family. Jesus' birth.  It's so easy to get caught up in the lights and decorations and presents.  I'm looking forward to January and looking back at our December. Busy, without a doubt, but purposeful.

What are you going to do to be purposeful this December?  I'd love to hear.  Hit the poor neglected comment button and tell me :)

Merry Christmas everyone!