It Is Almost Time For Christmas Break
E/4:29 Parent-to-Parent
“In the midst of my anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul” (Psalm 94:19).
The signs of Christmas and the end of the fall semester are showing up everywhere. Leaves are starting to turn beautiful colors. God sure does give us some beautiful things to look at and to be in awe of. Temperatures are becoming cooler in most places. The stores are already full of Christmas-everything. Nothing like a trip to Hobby Lobby to inspire some early decorating! Us moms don’t need to look at the calendar to know the countdown for the end of the semester is close at hand.
To add a little boost to help my student push through those last two weeks of classes and final exams, I made up little goodie bags for her and her roommates and friends. With items like a few candy canes, Christmas socks, scented lip balm and hand sanitizer, and M&M tubes or Christmas candy. One year I sent a little notebook with stickers and instructions to write in it each day about something she was looking forward to doing when she got home.
While we care for them in the last couple of weeks, we also want to prepare ourselves before they arrive; it may be a good time to reflect, pray and manage expectations. Christmas is absolutely my kids’ favorite time of the year. They love the decorations, smells, Christmas movies and music, all the fudge, treats, and hot chocolate. Riding around looking at Christmas lights, our Church Christmas show, sitting by the fire and family time are also on their list.
It is easy to think that once they are home everything will magically fall into place. But please remember a lot has changed since August, especially if this is their first year. It helps to remember that they have been managing their own schedules, sleep, food, study time and activities. You don’t want to diminish the importance of that accomplishment. Even though they have probably been homesick and are so excited to be home, they value their newfound independence. Have a little chat about what they are looking forward to. Sleeping in her own bed (a lot!) and taking naps (a lot!) was high on mine’s priority list. Some downtime to just relax and not having a set schedule will be rejuvenating, too. Go over the scheduled family/Church events that are important for the whole family to attend. Discover what traditions they look forward to, and fix their favorite foods. Enjoy having popcorn and staying up late watching the newest Christmas movies on Great American Family Channel, or the old classics. Hey, you’re never to old for some Rudolph and Home Alone.
It is easy to get overwhelmed with all the things and busyness we think we have to do during the Holidays. Trust me, it so much more enjoyable when you slow down and just enjoy the moments. It has been four months since drop-off that first week, and I know the excitement is real, but keep everything in perspective. Slow down, keep Jesus first and enjoy every blessed minute you’re able to share together.
You’ll feel proud that you are sending them back in January rested, relaxed and full of happy memories from their time at home.
Cover them in prayer — a lot of prayer! “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13). Wanda B., Graduate.
E/4:29’s contributing authors are parents of students who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at Liberty or have recently graduated. Each month, the Parent-to-Parent blog offers practical tips, helpful guidance, and encouraging wisdom that they may serve you “only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (as in, Ephesians 4:29).
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