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Written By: Sandi MacCalla, Founder - LifeSkills Academy ~ 12/16/2024

Many believe the most precious and essential things in life are divine gifts from God. As we celebrate Christmas, it's a perfect time to appreciate the gifts from God that we have (joy, love, reflection, peace). They come without a price tag, yet they enrich us in countless ways. Here are cherished ones to ponder as we celebrate a year marked by tumult and surprises.

Life - our very existence and breath we take each moment. Christmas reminds us of the miracle of life itself, with the birth of Jesus being central to the celebration. Each breath we take is a precious gift from God. This season, cherish the moments you have with loved ones and reflect on the beauty of your life.

Scripture Reference: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." – Jeremiah 29:11

Love - the capacity to receive and give love. The true spirit of Christmas is love—the love God freely offers us and the love we share with others. This holiday, let's open our hearts to receive and give love, spreading kindness and compassion.

Scripture Reference: "And above all these, put on love which
binds everything together in perfect harmony." – Colossians 3:14

Nature - the beautiful world around us—mountains, oceans, forests, and skies. In winter splendor, Nature reminds us of God's creation. Whether it's the beauty of snowy landscapes, crisp sunny blue skies, or the simplicity of mountain ranges, these inspire a peaceful awe and gratitude.

Scripture References: “Everything belongs to the LORD your God, not only the earth and everything on it, but also the sky and the highest heavens.” – Deuteronomy 10:14

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” - Genesis 1:27-28

The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s; But the earth He has given to the children of men. - Psalm 115:16

Joy - moments of happiness and delight. The joy of the holiday season is palpable. From the twinkling decorations to the sound of carols, Christmas brings a special happiness we can all embrace and share.

Scripture Reference: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." – Philippians 4:4

Peace - inner calm and rest. Amid the hustle and bustle, Christmas counterbalances time with peace. The story of Jesus’ birth brings a promise of peace to all. Taking moments of quiet reflection helps us find our inner tranquility.

Scripture Reference: "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." – Philippians 4:7

Faith - trusting and believing in something greater than us. Faith is the foundation of Christmas. Jesus’ birth renews our faith and reminds us of God's presence. This season, take moments to sense and strengthen your belief and trust in God's plan.

Scripture Reference: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." – Hebrews 11:1

Hope - the catalyst to move forward into the future. Christmas brings hope—for new beginnings and brighter tomorrows. It's a time to look forward and trust in God's guidance.

Scripture Reference: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." – Romans 15:13

Forgiveness - the power to forgive ourselves and others. A core message of Christmas is about forgiveness. As we celebrate Jesus (who brought forgiveness to the world), we can seek to forgive ourselves and others.

Scripture Reference: "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." – Ephesians 4:32

Purpose - our meaning and direction in life. Each of us has a unique purpose designed by God. Christmas is an ideal time to reflect on our purpose and how we’ll fulfill it in the coming year.

Scripture Reference: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." – Ephesians 2:10

I hope this captures the essence of your Christmas celebrations and the divine gifts we receive freely. At LifeSkills Academy, we have had a remarkable year, with a forecasted 80% increase in readership. We are humbled and deeply grateful to all of you. Our deepest desire is to serve you (our purpose) by bringing information and encouragement for clarity, ease, and everyday success in life. May this Christmas reveal all that has been in your life this year to bless you with friends, family, coworkers, your planet-mates, and the Holy Trinity.

“I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”
Jesus - John 10:10

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 Written By: Sandi MacCalla, Founder - LifeSkills Academy ~ 12/9/2024

Holistic: integration of physical, mental, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of our whole person, based on the premise that balance is important to feel complete.

In the weeks ahead, we can be duly tested in this season of joy, feeling overwhelmed and inadequate, while trying to please others as we grit our teeth behind sweet holiday smiles. Then, we wonder why we’re exhausted by celebration time, eat and drink too much socially, and just want solitude and a righteous nap. Here are easy, effective ways to keep tension at bay and find true delight in this season.

Meditation: Practice deep breathing and simple meditation exercises for a few minutes daily. Apps like Headspace or Calm can easily guide you.

Time Management: Create a simple holiday checklist to track tasks. Break down big projects into smaller, manageable steps, and don't be afraid to delegate, er… share.

Exercise: Indoor activities like YouTube workouts are great. If you enjoy the cold, go for a brisk walk or try a winter sport: skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating. Physical activity boosts your mood and energy levels.

Deep Sleep: Follow a calming nighttime routine. Disconnect from all screens an hour before bed and create a serene sleeping environment with soft lighting and comfortable bedding. Subscribe to Google Sleep Cycle to track your quality of sleep and listen to white noise or music to ease your way into dreamland.

Healthy Eating: Enjoy holiday treats in moderation and balance them with nutritious meals: warm, nourishing soups and stews are perfect for winter. Keep healthy snacks like nuts and fruit handy to balance holiday indulging.

Support:

• Mental: Set aside time for activities that calm your mind, such as journaling, reading, or listening to music.
  
  
• Connect with loved ones: Even if it's just a quick call or message, prioritize time for meaningful conversations with family and friends.
  
  
• Community Involvement: Volunteering, whether in person or virtually, can be incredibly rewarding and help lift your spirits.
  
  
• Seek Help: If the holiday stress feels unmanageable, consider speaking with a trustworthy friend or a therapist. There’s no shame in seeking help and taking the pressure off.

Daily Care:

• Skincare:
  • Combat dry winter skin with a hydration routine. Use a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, and don't forget sunscreen – yes, even in winter!
  • Stay hydrated with warm herbal teas, special coffee drinks, and sports drinks (with electrolytes, antioxidants, vitamins).
• Home Environment:
  • Create Coziness: Add warmth to your home with soft blankets, toasty socks, candles, and warm lighting. Try out some hygge touches to make a big difference with little effort.

“I have chosen to be happy because it is good for my health.”
~ Voltaire

LifeSkills Academy features online classes in Etiquette/Social Intelligence, Financial Skills, and Adulting. Educators are business professionals who have proven success in the world of commerce. Join our website to receive class details, blogs, and useful life skills tips.

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Written By: Sandi MacCalla, Founder - LifeSkills Academy ~ 12/2/2024

With Christmas approaching, traditional gift-giving takes center stage. Store-bought presents have their charm, but there's a growing trend towards meaningful impact: the gifting of time, talent, and treasure. This year let's see how we may embrace this trend and add a special sparkle to your holiday season.

The Gift of Time
In our fast-paced lives, spending quality activities with loved ones creates far more valuable memories than any material item.

Top Idea: Family Game Night

A family game night can be a delightful way to spend time together. Here’s how:

1. Choose a Variety of Games suitable for all ages and preferences. Board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or newer favorites like Codenames and Catan can be great choices.
2. Prepare Snacks: A variety of favorite snacks and drinks will keep everyone energized and engaged.
3. Set the Scene: Create a cozy atmosphere with comfortable seating and good lighting.

Resource: For a list of other top family games, check out Board Game Geek's 2024 Recommendations.

The Gift of Talent
Sharing your skills and talents is incredibly fulfilling both for you and the recipient. Whether it’s teaching a new skill or creating something unique, this gift shows thoughtfulness and effort.

Top Idea: DIY Craft Workshop

Hosting a DIY craft workshop is a fantastic way to share your talents and bond with family and friends.

1. Select a Craft that aligns with your skills and is suitable for your audience. Options could include candle-making, painting, woodworking, quilting, or knitting.
2. Gather Materials to ensure you have the necessary supplies and space for attendees to work. If you are conducting the workshop, consider purchasing items in bulk to save costs. Let those attending know how they can chip in.
3. Create an easy tutorial, if helpful: a step-by-step guide or video to assist participants in having a successful workshop.

Resource: For craft ideas and tutorials, visit DIY Network.

The Gift of Treasures
Thoughtful and personalized gifts can be treasures in their own right. Consider something that carries sentimental value or serves a meaningful purpose.

Top Idea: Memory Scrapbook

A memory scrapbook is a wonderful way to preserve cherished moments and create a tangible treasure.

1. Collect Photos and Mementos, ticket stubs, letters, and other memorabilia with special memories.
2. Choose a Theme such as a specific year, a memorable trip, or a loved one’s life stages.
3. Personalize It with small touches like handwritten notes, drawings, or decorations that reflect the recipient’s personality.

Resource: For scrapbooking tips and supplies, check out Scrapbook.com.

Family Participation: Volunteering Together
Volunteering as a family is one of the most rewarding ways to gift time, talent, and treasures. This helps and fosters community and gratitude.

Key Steps for Volunteering:

1. Choose a Cause that resonates with your family’s values, whether it’s helping at a local food bank, animal shelter, or community garden.
2. Schedule a Day that works for everyone and commit to spending it together in service.
3. Reflect and Share: Afterward, take time to share what you learned and enjoyed together.

Resource: For volunteer opportunities near you, visit Volunteer Match.

“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”
~Mother Teresa

Embracing the gift of time, talent, and treasures not only enriches the lives of those around us but also sparks a deeper sense of fulfillment and joy in us. This Christmas let’s create lasting memories and impacts.

Happy Holidays!

LifeSkills Academy features online classes in Etiquette/Social Intelligence, Financial Skills, and Adulting. Educators are business professionals who have proven success in the world of commerce. Join our website to receive class details, blogs, and useful life skills tips.

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