The gifts have to be wrapped just so. The decorations have to be hung on the tree like this. The Christmas cookies must have this color icing. Sound familiar? The holidays can bring on a lot of extra pressure – if you let them. To avoid that intensity, be flexible. If traditions turn out a little differently this year, it’s ok. If the kids don’t hang the ornaments on the tree just right…let it go. And the cookies...
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The glittering displays of Christmas lights bring out the kid in all of us. This year, make taking in the lights a family adventure. Map out a list of decorated houses you want to see, put together some snacks, and then pile everyone in the car one evening and take a drive to see all the Christmas lights. Take your time, drive slowly. Talk about which house you like best. Pause to take some family pictures. ...
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Each year, I somehow manage to let the pressure of making Christmas great fall on my wife, Susan—from buying and wrapping presents, to decorating the tree, to setting out the stockings—she’s the one that makes it happen. That’s why, this year for the sake of my marriage, I am pledging to be a better elf. First, I pledge not to fall asleep on the couch when my wife needs my help setting up. Which leads to my...
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year. So as the cookies bake and the fire warms our toes, why not enjoy a cozy family movie night? Here are 6 of my favorite Christmas movies and what they’ve taught me about family. First, I’ve always enjoyed the classic movie, A Christmas Carol. Ebenezer Scrooge takes us on a journey to learn that loving and being loved by our family is the most important thing. Second,...
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I’ve got a confession to make. I’m much, much quicker to criticize than compliment. Unfortunately, when I see something or hear something, I often start with what’s wrong with it rather than what’s right with it. Can you relate? Mark Twain once said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” Here are some things you can do to increase your compliment to criticism ratio. First, put a reminder on your...
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The Family Minute is a program of our national nonprofit organization, Family First. Here at Family First, our ultimate desire is to provide parenting, marriage, and relational truth that helps people love their family well. Family Minute is one of three programs we have to help deliver that truth…the two others are All Pro Dad and iMOM. All Pro Dad and iMOM encourage and inspire dads and moms through free...
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If you’re looking for a way to scale back on expenses, why not commit to a credit free Christmas this year? Resist the temptation to spend money you don’t have on material things that ultimately have very little meaning, and provide very little satisfaction. Start by using this money saving Christmas gift planner to organize your list. But remember, the Christmas season isn’t about “things,” it’s about...
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