This episode we'll cover a few great tips for your holiday meal planning/prep along with the last round of take-home ideas you can use whether you cook or not, to set the tone for your day (and especially at the holidays) that puts living the #invitinglife at the forefront. Let's get our heart and mind in the place to experience God’s grace and pour it out to others - whether you’re actually “hosting” in a traditional way, or not!

Find the full shownotes here!

A Few great meal planning tips: 

• Do what you can in advance. Try making a breakfast in advance (breakfast soup with sausage and eggs, paleo peach streusel muffins) so you can start your day with a nourishing meal.

• Set your table and your serving dishes a day or two ahead.  

• Use Shortcuts. A turkey roaster, a smoker, an Instant Pot or slow cooker can be your best ally for saving oven space. Try freezing unbaked rolls or mashed sweet potatoes so there's less prep on feast day.

• Invite others to bake and bring to your gathering, if you're hosting. It’s a blessing to you, but it also blesses the person who gets to participate. Are you the guest? Offer to bring your favorite dish or pick up ice on the way!

 

Let's go even a little bit further - these are some things you can do all year long to help you set a tone in your home that celebrates God's kindness and those you love - from a place of grace.

 

• Set the Mood - even for you! Put on some calming music and a scent that you love.
• Give grace - to you and everyone else! I have a post-it on my bathroom mirror I try to pray over each day: “By God’s grace, I will establish a rhythm of work and rest that influences my home with peace, empowers movement with my mind and body, and glorifies by Father by a joyful, loving, fearless countenance.”
• Stick to your schedule. It's ok to set boundaries for what's best for you or if you have them, your kiddos. Everyone will be happier!
• Be flexible. By the same token, don't hold so tightly to your expectations that it causes frustration for you or those you love.
• Take a break. Take a nap (or a time-out!), go for a walk, or build in some quiet before the day begins. (Listen to Episode 17: The Power of Pause!)
• Choose your traditions with intention. Celebrations like a favorite dish, the Jesse Tree, and reading the Christmas story from Luke 2 can be wonderful, but if you have traditions that aren't working for you any more, it's ok to drop them!
• Streamline. Look at your calendar - is there one thing you can bow out of? 
• Be mindful of where others are. The holidays have their own kind of hard for different people. We may never know what someone is going through, but if we’re paying attention, we might have the opportunity to connect more deeply and bless that person! (see episode 20 - Ask Good Questions).

 

In the next episode we'll fellowship together as we share some scripture and pray in real-time to help each one of us pause and set our hearts on things above. Until then, meditate on this scripture:

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” - Colossians 3:1-3

 

RECIPES:

Sausage and Egg Breakfast Soup

Holiday Hosting: Creating a Beautiful Cheese Platter

Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Autumn Quinoa Salad with Sweet Potatoes, Cherries and Walnuts

 

RESOURCES:

Do you want to grow in JOY and your relationship with Jesus this holiday season? Join the Advent study, Longing and Light, for free!

How to Have the Best Thanksgiving Ever

Hospitality Beyond the Holidays

My Everyday Welcome Cozy Holidays E-Book

Tips for Transitioning Holiday Decor

 

RELATED EPISODES:

The Power of Pause (episode 17)

Reconciliation and Hope (episode 24)

Ask Good Questions: Invite Genuine Community (episode 20)

Be Kingdom Minded (episode 9)

 

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