I\u2019ve made enough cookies for a lifetime.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This year, for the first time in my entire Christmas-celebrating life, I made some changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I decided:<\/p>\n\n\n\n And you know what? The world did not fall apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the quiet pressures women carry\u2014especially after 60\u2014is the belief that we must\u00a0keep performing the holidays the same way forever. You know doing all the things we used to do the same way we did them for the same people. Well guess what those people are not there. They have moved on. But YOU haven\u2019t. You know how we do. We have it set up in our minds about\u2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The baking. But here\u2019s the truth no one says out loud often enough–<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being tired doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re ungrateful. It simply means you\u2019re human.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, my house is decorated\u2014mostly. One tree is naked. Just lights no ribbon, no bulbs, no ornaments of holidays past. I was too tired to finish it and wham bam it was December 21 and it will be down on in a few days anyway. I do not care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And that\u2019s okay. From the outside, it still looks like Christmas. From the inside, it looks like peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re reading this after Christmas and feeling the need to explain yourself\u2014please don\u2019t. Stop right where you are and stop texting or calling in your explanation to anyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t owe anyone–<\/p>\n\n\n\n You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to change traditions. You are allowed to choose ease. My kids, grown as they are understood. I didn\u2019t do all the things and they are fine today. After Christmas. The world is still standing and the lights are still flickering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I promise you\u2014I am good. Not sad. Not depressed. I was just a tired woman who needed a three-day pause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And that, my friend, is more than enough. What do you need to let go of? Let it go sister. Let it go! Put it in the do not care pile and keep it moving. You deserve a break, all those that love you will be fine. I promise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please read these foundational posts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best Life Dream Story<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Best-Life Definition<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Stephanie M. Carter<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Stephanie is the owner and host of her podcast called Reveal, a biblical Insight life coach, ordained minister and author. She has over 10 years of experience in biblical counseling to married couples and women. She holds certificates of teaching in Old Testament history, biblical counselling, advanced biblical counselling & marriage and family studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She lives in Atlanta, GA where she loves to cook for dinner parties, quilt, write books, read and write in journals. When not doing those things, she enjoys her two adult sons and her black mini schnauzer Kyrie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Connect with her at: www.stephaniemcarter.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen \u201cGood Enough\u201d Becomes More Than Enoug<\/strong>h<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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My sons know I love them. They\u2019ll probably eat Chick-fil-A cookies anyway.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Bagged fried rice will do. They may not notice. And if they do\u2026 they\u2019ll survive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
There is no need for makeup or \u201cgetting ready\u201d when the goal is rest. If someone comes over they get me with the pajamas. So be it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
No company. No mountain of dishes. No extra calories hanging around uninvited on my butt.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nLetting Go of the Performanc<\/strong>e<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The decorating.
The hosting.
The proving that we still \u201chave it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Resting doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re sad.
Simplifying doesn\u2019t mean you love your family any less.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA House Full of Grace (Not Perfection)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A Word for the Woman Reading This<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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