December

December is here. Like it or not, the streets are busier, malls are wild, and your to-do list just increased with things like wrapping, decorating, and buying. No matter how we try, December tends to be a busier month than a sweet, slow, cold month like January (unless you're heavily involved in Gasparilla, and then I don't know when you slow down!). Our minds are filled with things to check off the list... did I buy that doll? Where can I find the DSi case? What in the world should I send Great Aunt Martha?
The good news is that Christmas is always on December 25th. That date never changes, so we have a year to plan. I try to spread out our spending by shopping year round. It seems to help. However, no matter how hard I try, I have plenty on my plate in December. This rushing around to find Junior the perfect gift is not wrong.
But we need to SLOW DOWN. We need to stop and remember what it is that we are celebrating. What is the true meaning of Christmas for you? For Mama Henley's house, we are preparing our hearts and minds to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our SAVIOR! What a miracle He is. What a gift. The gift of a relationship with Christ is better and longer-lasting than any toy or gadget. I am so thankful for this gift.
However, I often get caught up in my list and focus on that rather than HIM. This year, I am praying that we will all slow down. I am praying that we will savor every day and not get caught up in the hustle and bustle. I want this year to be about the birth of Jesus, not about who has the best and earliest Christmas card or who has the prettiest festive outfit or who decorates like Town and Country. I am praying that my eyes will be on Him, and that I will enjoy my family this season instead of pushing them to the side to check more off of my to-do list. I struggle with putting the world first and Christ second. How do you balance and keep your focus on the true meaning of Christmas?

Being a Good Guest

It's Christmas party time!! What better time of year for parties is there than December? As you are planning your outfits and choosing which shoes to wear, it's also important to remember how to be a good guest. My parents are GREAT guests and they have taught me how to strive to be one too!

A good guest:

-Arrives on time or fashionably late (just a little bit after the time the party starts) *It is important to be on time for a dinner party or birthday party, but it's okay to come late to a Christmas party that is a drop in and will last for several hours.

-Offers to bring something to help such as a dessert or hors d'oeuvres

-Brings a hostess gift to thank the host and hostess for the invitation. You can bring a bottle of wine, a homemade gift, some flowers, bath salts, or a cute gift from a fun store. In lieu of a hostess gift, you can send flowers or a "day after the party" basket the following day.

-Participates. If it is a party with a theme, then join in the fun and go ALL OUT! Don't be a dud. If it's a Lilly soiree, don your best Lilly attire. If the party has a Vegas theme, be creative and go as Elvis or a bride or a hardened gambler. Whatever you do, be sure to participate!




-Is interesting. My papa has always said that you should be the life of the party and make conversation at the dinner table. Ask questions. My friend, Happy Mommy, always has the most unique questions. Sometimes she'll have a question like "I want everyone to think of their 3 most favorite things right now and then we'll talk about it in a little while to give you time to think". It was so interesting when she did this on a trip. We learned about favorite skin care items, lipstick, and all kinds of other tricks! If you're at a seated dinner, ask questions. Don't just talk about yourself. However, if you are asking questions and getting very little response, then start telling stories! People love to laugh. My husband can make anyone laugh and so he is always fun at social events. I can take him anywhere:).


-Calls the next day to say how fun the event was or sends a note in the mail. If you call your host/hostess, then you do not have to write a letter. However, written words of appreciation are ALWAYS appreciated.

-Reciprocates. A good guest is also a good hostess!

FA La LA! Have fun at all of your Christmas parties!

My Sweet and the 12 Days of Christmas

My sweetheart is the funniest person I know. He is laugh out loud funny. People have asked if I laugh all of the time, and I do. I used to think I was pretty funny until I met my man. He is also very smart. He knows something about everything. Many years ago, we were out at a party and he was given the nickname "Renaissance Man". We laughed then, but in many ways it's true. He has so many talents.

Anyway, Pink Martini mentioned receiving gifts for the 12 days of Christmas. She loved it. Someone did the same thing for our friends, Nita and Drew, last Christmas. I am thinking about surprising my man with a gift each of the 12 days. I'm creative, but I'm not sure I'm 12-days-in-a-row-partridge-in-a-pear-tree-to-12-drummers-drumming creative. Please help me brainstorm! My sweet man rarely reads my blog, so help a girl out! Thanks, y'all!