I received compensation for my work on this post. This post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own.
In just a few days, my oldest daughter will be coming home for the first time since she left for college in July. I may talk and text with her nearly every day, but I cannot believe how excited I am to SEE her on Saturday and have her home for the holidays.
This week, I’ve tried to work hard to cross a few extra things off my to-do list so that I can truly SAVOR the time I have to spend with her – and with the rest of the family, too. It’s easy during the holidays to get caught up in the hubbub of shopping craziness, the pressure to decorate and bake and send Christmas cards. Too easy. This holiday, I am less concerned with what we GET for Christmas and more concerned with how we FEEL once the holidays are over.
The last few months have been rough on several of us. We’ve been busier than ever (a natural consequence of older kids, I think!) and seem to see less of each other. And it has definitely changed our home to have one of the family “missing,” as happy as we are for her to be loving college so much.
This holiday season, I am making a concerted effort to find the JOY in the holidays.
I am remembering my blessings – particularly my kids and my husband, as well as a safe home to live in, good schools, a job that I love and allows me to work from home, and so many other things.
I am making plans to spend time with each family member, even if it’s only to invite a child upstairs to wrap presents with me for an hour.
I am welcoming the kids into the kitchen so they can bake with me – and create holiday memories like my mom did with me.
I love the holidays, and I am rediscovering the JOY that I used to feel as a child enjoying the holidays (because, let’s face it, the holidays are much more fun when you’re a kid and have no responsibilities!).
What brings you #JOY during the holidays, and how are you finding JOY this year?
Bucket of Joy Giveaway:
To help spread #JOY this holiday, I’m giving away a Bucket of Joy sponsored by SOYJOY. Enter on the giveaway form below before 12/17 at midnight ET, after which a winner will be chosen at random and notified via email. Good luck…and go find some JOY!
Bucket of Joy contains:
- Mason jar of SOYJOY bars in all seven flavors
- Plush blanket
- Wooden letters spelling JOY
- Galvanized Metal Bucket
About SOYJOY bars:
- SOYJOY bars come in 7 flavors, including: dark chocolate cherry, berry, banana, strawberry, cranberry, mango coconut, and blueberry.
- Each bar is between 130-140 calories, making it a great healthy snack alternative (and a perfect stocking-stuffer!)
- SOYJOY bars are made with real pieces of fruit and non-GMO ground whole soybeans
- SOYJOY is certified gluten-free
- Perfect as a purse-sized snack on the go that won’t crumble or melt (unless you want it to!)
- SOYJOY bars make quick and easy after-school snacks
- Pop an unwrapped SOYJOY bar in the microwave for 8-10 seconds for a warm, guilt-free treat
Connect with SOYJOY online at on us.soyjoy.com, on Twitter at @SOYJOYUS and on Facebook at facebook.com/soyjoy
I received compensation for my work on this post. This post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own.
© 2014, Food Fun Family. All rights reserved.
Beverly M says
Seeing my little granddaughter always brings me JOY. Thanks!
MaryJo Tsitouris says
My son brings me joy. Just watching his little face light up on Christmas morning melts my heart. Love it!
Karen Drake says
Spending time with my family brings me joy.
Virginia Rowell says
My children bring me joy during the holidays, I can’t get mad at them this time of year.
Nicole C. says
My family brings me joy during the holidays!
Karen Glatt says
Getting to spend time with my neice and nephew during the Holidays brings me a lot of joy!
Beth Klocinski says
My annual cookie exchange with the girls brings me joy during the holidays.
Jake B says
Seeing my girlfriend while she is home from college for winter break brings me tons of joy.
Brittney House says
Seeing my family happy and healthy brings me joy.
Laurie Emerson says
Seeing my children’s eyes light up with they see all the Christmas lights and decorations brings me joy.
Erica B. says
Spending time with family.
Breanne says
Spending time with my family brings me joy.
Karen Glatt says
I get joy from my Dad who is always there for me even if he is 84!
Jen Reed says
My pets bring me joy during the holidays. They are always part of the festivities.
Lisa V. says
Being with my family brings me joy.
Virginia Rowell says
If I were in the north, building a snowman would bring me joy.
danielle Marie says
my nieces bring me joy. i love experiencing the holiday through their eyes.
Cathy Truman says
My friends bring me joy all the time
Virginia Rowell says
A good chocolate cream pie brings me joy!
Karen Glatt says
What brings me joy is getting to see my new baby Niece. She is so cute!
Cynthia R says
I left a comment on https://foodfunfamily.com/2014/12/best-apple-pie-recipe.html#comment-910766
deana c says
The smiles on my children’s faces bring me JOY during the holidays!
Jason Vaughn says
I love going caroling!
Danielle D says
Being with family!
Danielle says
My husband and 6 children bring me the most joy
Monique Rizzo says
Baking brings me joy!
Donna says
What brings me joy is having a lot of time off from work.
brandy c says
My cat brings me joy, she’s very sweet and gentle natured.
Virginia Rowell says
Chocolate chip cookies bring me joy in the holidays.
Tracy Davis says
My family brings me joy.
Karen Glatt says
What brings me joy is making my Cutout Sugar cookies with my sisters and niece!
Virginia Rowell says
My grandkids bring me joy during the holidays.
Karen Glatt says
Getting to see my niece and nephew during the Holidays really makes me have a lot of joy!
Karen Glatt says
What brings me joy this Holiday season is giving to others.
Cynthia R says
Drinking a bottle of wine with my best friend over lunch brings me joy.
Virginia Rowell says
All the food brings me joy. But I’m feeling it, so I’ve got to slow down!
Cynthia R says
All the time with family and friends and all the delicious food!
Karen Glatt says
What gives me joy is my Dad still being with me this Holiday season after being sick! I am glad he is okay!
Jackie says
Having all of my family together brings me joy.