Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. How in the world is it December 2nd already? We are a little more than three weeks away from Christmas 2022. Every year we say we want to slow down and enjoy the holidays, yet they always seem to zoom past us. If you find yourself out shopping this weekend, be sure to show a bit of compassion to the people working in retail. Let that car pull out in front of you. Smile at the random person in line next to you.
Quote of the week: “What I like about Christmas is that you can make people forget about the past with the present.” –Don Marquis
Song of the week: Last week, I hit you with a children’s book about snowmen. This week, I want to introduce you to a song from 1950 called “The Man with the Bag,” by Kay Starr. When you hear it, you would swear that it was recorded last week, because it sounds so sharp and clear. It is a regular on my Christmas play list. As a special bonus, I want to share with you the lyrics I wrote about The Elf on the Shelf, but to the tune of “The Man with the Bag.” Here they are…
Never a wrinkle, his eyes how they twinkle
The one who can hear all the words that you say
Everybody’s waiting for the Elf on the Shelf
Good times are here again
Creeping and sneaking to keep kids from peeking
He knows what they do every night and all day
Everybody’s waiting for the Elf on the Shelf
’Cause good times are here again
Spread good cheer, give hope to others
Not just at Christmastime, but all through the year
Do your chores, then you’ll get plenty of rewards
And never get bored
So just remember, not only in December
The Elf knows if you’re doing what your parents say
Everybody’s waiting for the Elf on the Shelf
Good times are here again!
Joke of the week: What does Santa do when his elves misbehave? He gives them the sack.
Recharge Tip for the week: With Thanksgiving behind us, we now feel the mad rush to prepare for Christmas. And if you are anything like me, your life feels a bit too hectic right now. Before you get completely overwhelmed, I want to encourage you to create a music playlist. I know what you’re thinking: “I already have one.” Well, I have quite a few to choose from myself—especially when I am writing a new story. Be intentional when you create your list, as music greatly impacts your mood. Close your eyes and breathe deeply (but not while driving), and let the music calm the frantic pace of life. I can’t promise the tension will completely disappear, but this should give you a little bit of a happy boost.
Shout-Out of the week: This week I want to give a shout-out to the aforementioned people who work retail. It is not easy to provide customer service even under normal circumstances, but add the Christmas rush to get gifts, and it becomes especially challenging. Even if you have cause to be not-so-jolly, remember that the clerks assisting you are only doing their job. Let’s spread some Christmas cheer.
Have a great weekend. Remember, you are most awesome, and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.
