Last week I started a series to walk through three practices that prepare us for Christmas love in the midst of hard moments. If you missed it, you can read Part 1 here.

Practice #2– Fast & Pray

Last January, I started preparing our moms for new traditions this year. Barry and I have an empty nest now, and our siblings have grown children too. As the family grows and ages, it’s harder and harder to get everyone together. I’ll bet lots you you have experienced this!

In September, my wonderful M-I-L, Barbara, reached out to discuss Thanksgiving plans, and I carefully pitched a new schedule to her. “How would you feel about having Thanksgiving at my house this year?” I asked gently. She’s been the hostess with the mostess for all our married years, and I thought she might be sad about giving it up.

You can imagine my delight and surprise when she said, “Sure! I have some people I’d like to include. Is that ok with you?”

(Note: Don’t make assumptions about other people’s reactions. I think Barbara might have been waiting for me to step up for years.

Continue Reading Three Practices to Prepare for Christmas Love– Part 2 at AmyCarroll.org