by Leane VanderPutten based on thoughts from 100 Ways to Love Your Husband, Lisa Jacobson.
As the festive season envelops our homes with joy and warmth, let us be the first to make the effort to spread this warmth to the one we have pledged our life to.
❤️Value Him.
It’s hard not to compare our husband to others. But this always ends in dissatisfaction. This Christmas season, let us remember to focus on his good points…leaving the rest to Our Lord who can change hearts. But we must truly leave it to Him to do it…not us. Focusing on his good points will bring peace and gratefulness in our marriage, embodying the spirit of Christmas in our homes.
💚Challenges are a Part of our Marriage.
Joy is part of our marriage and is so wonderful at Christmas time! The challenges are there, too. If we unselfishly seek to embrace these challenges, relying on the grace of God first to overcome them, we will not be disillusioned when they come. It is a part of life. Pray, keep quiet…or not (if it is something big enough that needs to be discussed) and leave the outcome to God. During this season, pray to Our Lady, the mother of the One Who overcame all challenges and who desires a good and healthy marriage for us!
❤️Do You Want to be Right? Or Do You Want to be Happy?
Our most important duty, after God, is to our marriage. As we strive to put our best foot forward, especially during this time of festive celebration, an essential practice is admitting when we are wrong. We must do this quickly and not let things fester. Swallow our pride. Admit our mistakes promptly. To acknowledge that we are wrong is a good way to grow in humility. And a good way to keep the nuptial fires burning.
💚Be Happy with the Gift He Gives, Even if it is No Gift.
Disappointment is a choice. If our husband is not a gift-giver, learn to accept that. Sometimes it smarts. Don’t hold it against him. It’s OK. He just may not be good at it or think it is important. This doesn’t reflect what our whole marriage is. Most guys don’t have an ulterior motive And that goes for when he gives us something we don’t like. Same thing applies. We may be hurt but let us offer it up to Him who suffered poverty and deprivation during this Christmas season. This is a little thing…don’t make it big. It’s all in the perspective.
❤️Maintain the Romance.
Don’t base this on Hallmark Christmas movies. Love is finding joy in the simple and sweet moments. At this time of the year, it may be to sit down together in front of the fire sipping a spiced tea together and chatting about…stuff he likes to talk about. Or maybe he’s not a talker…sit by the fire and join him in a game he likes. Do these things when you can. I know life is busy…but remember, your relationship is the foundation of your own happiness and the happiness of those in your home. It’s important.
💚Express Kindness to Him.
A beautiful gift you can give him this Christmas is to show him the courtesy of treating him with respect and thoughtfulness. It’s so easy, when we are busy with Advent and Christmas doings, to snap at him whom you rub shoulders with each day. Don’t. Be kind. Answer questions nicely. When he is sitting down, ask him if he would like something to drink. Offer to take off his work boots. Listen to him when he talks. You know…do unto others… that type of thing.
❤️Take Care of Your Appearance.
We are an example of Catholic womanhood. This is a beautiful thing, this reflection of feminine loveliness. Be that for your husband. Take the time to look nice and put-together for him. Freshen up before seeing him and take a moment for self-care. It makes you feel more womanly and definitely will please him.
💚Speak Positively To Him and About Him to Others.
May our husbands unwrap the gift of positivity in their wives this Christmas—a positivity that consistently supports, refrains from unkind words, and speaks only of goodness and encouragement. As we reflect on the benevolent King who unfailingly sees and appreciates the goodness within us, let’s extend the same support to our spouses.
❤️Don’t Expect Perfection in Ourselves.
We will fall. Accept that in humility. We pick ourselves up and keep going. This life is a journey, not a destination. Let us ask the Infant Jesus for the grace and humility to be patient with ourselves as He is patient with us.
“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them—every day begin the task anew.” ~ St. Francis de Sales
Be attentive to the sacrifices your husband makes for the family. Each day he battles the world, the flesh and the devil out in the workforce for you. Don’t let that go unnoticed. Thank him often! Appreciate him. -Finer Femininity
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Lovely gifts from Meadows of Grace!
Why do we call Christmas songs carols? And is the Christmas tree a pagan symbol? Were there really three kings? These questions and so many others are explored in a way that is scholarly and yet delightful to read. Enjoy learning about the history of the many Christmas traditions we celebrate in this country!
Why do we wear our best clothes on Sunday? What was the Holy Ghost Hole in medieval churches? How did a Belgian nun originate the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament? Where did the Halloween mask and the jack-o’-lantern come from?
Learn the answer to these questions, as well as the history behind our traditional celebration of Thanksgiving, in this gem of a book by Father Weiser.
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These are all good and beautiful… A gift from a sweetie may not be wrapped. He could give time or make something or be with the kids while you do something, and he may think that’s a gift near, on, or around Christmas. And sometimes they need plain old straight forward requests, so you won’t be surprised, but you might get what you hoped for in a different way. 😊