I’m a 37 year old working mom of three and found you through your friendship videos a few days ago. Didn’t think I would subscribe but I did. You’re like my virtual aunt with a lot of wisdom to share.
This is a good reminder that sometimes spontaneity can turn into something wonderful. If you hadn't asked, the day would have been so much different. Christmas does change as children get older. We never had family nearby, so Christmas was all about our family unit. My children have in-laws nearby with large families and their own expectations, so we have to share them. We talked about it early on, and we've made it work for us.
The key is talking about it Early, it is so much easier without the pressure of the calendar. I know our holidays will change a lot when my parents are gone, they keep us all close to home so that they won’t be alone but we are already talking about how things will be different down the road. Agree with you💯thanks so much for taking the time to share. Merry Christmas🎄
You are 100% correct on all fronts. We need down time, reflection and a reasonable pace. It is so easy to get to focused on tasks and not placing enough attention on people, including yourself. One of the traditions we started with our adult children is going for massages on Christmas Eve! Super fun and relaxing.
If the sacred season of Christmas for people is about cookies, presents, and parties to attend, you will be disappointed in one way or another. Better go and help someone less fortunate than you - human being, animal in a shelter, a project for humanitarian purpose, etc. Let's not forget the real Reason for this season - it's Jesus and your relationship with Him. If you don't have that, who cares about all the rest. It's just another day for you. Have a blessed Christmas- the birth of our Savior!
Oh no one is forgetting about what is truly important. I agree with you💯but I do think there is the family dynamic that enters in to the holidays and while my faith is most important to me I think it is fair to consider more than one thing. The Lord gave us our families to love and celebrate him with. Thanks for the comment!
I agree with you that Christmas can sometimes feel like it’s turned into something very superficial, but I also agree with Laura and recognize it can be about bringing families and couples back together.
I have enjoyed baking cookies for my husband and myself on Christmas. I have done a lot less regarding other people's agenda or expectations. I'll enjoy my cookies, cocoa and cat antics. My stress level has dramatically decreased and I don't see a need to take on more responsibility. Merry Christmas.
My wife and I host an open house on Christmas Eve, we sing carols, have food all day and visit with everyone. Sometimes it is the only time of year that we see some family, cousins and nephews and the like. When someone said we will be there, but they aren't I used to be disappointed but have learned to just appreciate the folks who can come. I make a point to call in the new year to those who couldn't make it and just check in. No stress for them or us. Merry Christmas to you, Laura, what a gem you are.
I love your channel. You speak to my experiences with “mean girls” and I thoroughly enjoyed your book. Keep up the wonderful effort that encourages us to cheer on both ourselves and other women. Native Texan
Hi Laura, you make a great point, that I really needed to hear today! I'm going to take your advice, and offer instead of expect. I don't want people to feel obligated to attend something, I'd rather they come and go at their own leisure. I feel it's less stressful for everyone, especially at this busy time of year. I look forward to see your holiday decorations!
Laura!!! You are reading our minds! My children are coming in this weekend, and I have been mulling around in my head how to not have any expectations. Not sure that that is possible but I am so looking forward to hearing this video. I commenting before I I heard it. But just grateful to hear what you have to say. Thank you and happy holidays!
Love this video Laura, about pleasing others and not taking time for yourself such a great short spur of the moment get together! Happy Holidays to you & all the Best Blessings for 2025!❣
I waited so long to put up my tree but my 20 year old daughter and my granddaughter from my son took the reigns this year and do I ever feel good it was less stress on me I was shocked and so so happy she stepped up ! Now for the rest lol we’ll see 😂Thanks Laura looking fantastic ✨💗
How are you setting expectations for your holidays? Love learning from all of you.
I have this saying written on my mirror so that I see it multiple times a day....
"Peace begins where expectations end "
Love this, agree💯
I’m a 37 year old working mom of three and found you through your friendship videos a few days ago. Didn’t think I would subscribe but I did. You’re like my virtual aunt with a lot of wisdom to share.
Thanks so much! What a sweet compliment. I really appreciate it
Having to “let go” and “bring in new families” because of our children’s new relationships and their families are tricky!
Agree💯
This is a good reminder that sometimes spontaneity can turn into something wonderful. If you hadn't asked, the day would have been so much different. Christmas does change as children get older. We never had family nearby, so Christmas was all about our family unit. My children have in-laws nearby with large families and their own expectations, so we have to share them. We talked about it early on, and we've made it work for us.
The key is talking about it Early, it is so much easier without the pressure of the calendar. I know our holidays will change a lot when my parents are gone, they keep us all close to home so that they won’t be alone but we are already talking about how things will be different down the road. Agree with you💯thanks so much for taking the time to share. Merry Christmas🎄
@laurahillauthor Merry Christmas, Laura! 🎄
You are 100% correct on all fronts. We need down time, reflection and a reasonable pace. It is so easy to get to focused on tasks and not placing enough attention on people, including yourself.
One of the traditions we started with our adult children is going for massages on Christmas Eve! Super fun and relaxing.
What a wonderful idea! Think I may steal that one🥰
If the sacred season of Christmas for people is about cookies, presents, and parties to attend, you will be disappointed in one way or another. Better go and help someone less fortunate than you - human being, animal in a shelter, a project for humanitarian purpose, etc. Let's not forget the real Reason for this season - it's Jesus and your relationship with Him. If you don't have that, who cares about all the rest. It's just another day for you. Have a blessed Christmas- the birth of our Savior!
Oh no one is forgetting about what is truly important. I agree with you💯but I do think there is the family dynamic that enters in to the holidays and while my faith is most important to me I think it is fair to consider more than one thing. The Lord gave us our families to love and celebrate him with. Thanks for the comment!
I agree with you that Christmas can sometimes feel like it’s turned into something very superficial, but I also agree with Laura and recognize it can be about bringing families and couples back together.
I have enjoyed baking cookies for my husband and myself on Christmas. I have done a lot less regarding other people's agenda or expectations. I'll enjoy my cookies, cocoa and cat antics. My stress level has dramatically decreased and I don't see a need to take on more responsibility. Merry Christmas.
Such a great outlook! You are definitely on to something. Merry Christmas🎄
My wife and I host an open house on Christmas Eve, we sing carols, have food all day and visit with everyone. Sometimes it is the only time of year that we see some family, cousins and nephews and the like. When someone said we will be there, but they aren't I used to be disappointed but have learned to just appreciate the folks who can come. I make a point to call in the new year to those who couldn't make it and just check in. No stress for them or us. Merry Christmas to you, Laura, what a gem you are.
Love this so much! Celebrate the people who can come ❤️That’s a wonderful outlook Thanks so much and Merry Christmas🎄
I love your channel. You speak to my experiences with “mean girls” and I thoroughly enjoyed your book. Keep up the wonderful effort that encourages us to cheer on both ourselves and other women.
Native Texan
Thank you so much! That really means a lot to me❤️
Hi Laura, you make a great point, that I really needed to hear today! I'm going to take your advice, and offer instead of expect. I don't want people to feel obligated to attend something, I'd rather they come and go at their own leisure. I feel it's less stressful for everyone, especially at this busy time of year. I look forward to see your holiday decorations!
Thanks so much for the comment! It’s definitely a process we all have to work through
Laura!!! You are reading our minds! My children are coming in this weekend, and I have been mulling around in my head how to not have any expectations. Not sure that that is possible but I am so looking forward to hearing this video. I commenting before I I heard it. But just grateful to hear what you have to say. Thank you and happy holidays!
Hope it all works out🥰have fun
Perfect timing for significant family relationship topic. Thank you,. There will be no perfect tree in my house!
Life is meant to be wrinkled. Think it makes for a much better holiday❤
Love this video Laura, about pleasing others and not taking time for yourself
such a great short spur of the moment get together! Happy Holidays to you & all the Best Blessings for 2025!❣
Thanks so much and Merry Christmas. I truly appreciate you always taking the time to comment and share your insight🎄
I waited so long to put up my tree but my 20 year old daughter and my granddaughter from my son took the reigns this year and do I ever feel good it was less stress on me I was shocked and so so happy she stepped up ! Now for the rest lol we’ll see 😂Thanks Laura looking fantastic ✨💗
But what a great start! Sounds like you’re family will be there to back you up❤
Merry Christmas, Laura!
Your channel was such a nice discovery this year! Agree, look inward for Christmas joy first!
Merry Christmas! Thanks so much for the kind words and for always taking the time to join in the conversation❤️
So true. ❤