Gulf Coast Family

What first comes to mind when you think about Christmas? Is it “the most wonderful time of year” or is it “the most wearisome time of the year”? For many, this holiday has become far more of a headache than highlight. This holiday season, amidst all the clamor of consumerism, we recommend that you take a few moments to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and the many blessings we have given. We are confident that in doing so, you will be touched by the true wonder of Christmas. Merry Christmas!

One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don't clean it up too quickly. ~ Andy Rooney

Remember, if Christmas isn't found in your heart, you won't find it under a tree.
~ Charlotte Carpenter

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
~ Charles Dickens

When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things - not the great occasions - give off the greatest glow of happiness.
~ Bob Hope

Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.
~ Charles Schulz

I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on Earth, good will to men!
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

To gain a Christmas connections with those you love, don’t be overzealous with your holiday plans. Keep good relationships prioritized over having a “perfect” Christmas. Here are some relationship principles to observe presented in a Christmas acrostic.

Center your heart on the spiritual focus of Christmas. This will help everyone become easier to get along with because the heart of the holiday will remain intact.

Hear what your friends and family are voicing as their stress, and listen carefully to them – a gift that will lower their stress.

Reach out as a family to help others in order to keep the proper perspective on what is really important in life.

Invest in memories, not material goods. Make time for family baking, tree decorating, or board games.

Speak your love in words. The best gift you can give is for a person to hear their value and worth from your lips.

Take time for romance. The greatest gift you can give your children is a happy marriage.

Make time to reach out to extended family. Visit or call grandparents, aunts, and uncles. If possible, use modern technology like a Webcam to connect.

Assume nothing; ask those who are celebrating with you what their expectations are, and communicate the plan clearly so people feel informed.

Stay flexible. Don’t be a Christmas Nazi, ordering family around. Instead slow the pace, gather consensus, and give options so that you create an environment of connecting and sharing.

These relationship tips for the holidays come from author, speaker, and relationship expert Pam Farrel. Pam and Bill Farrel are relationship specialists, international speakers, and authors of more than twenty-five books, including best selling Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are like Spaghetti. To read more of Pam Farrel’s relationship tips visit www.farrelcommunications.com