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Monday, December 6, 2010

Why I’m Just Saying “No”

It’s not in my nature to say “no.” 

But this is the time of year when something has to give.  When I can’t do everything I love to do.  When I have to set some serious boundaries.

What are some of the things I’m saying "no" to?

Here’s the short list:
  • I’m not spending time in shopping malls and check-out lines.
  • I'm not putting bows on my presents (wrapping is also optional).
  • I’m not making a business trip to New York this week (even though I really wanted to!).
  • I'm not going to be able to get my hair colored before Christmas.
  • I’m not in charge of my kids’ holiday parties at school (but I am planning to show up unannounced and empty-handed).
  • I’m not blogging as frequently this month (even though I really miss it!).
So, you might not hear as much from me in the coming weeks.  (Heck, I might even re-circulate some old blog posts from last Christmas and completely check out.)  Just please don’t take my short-term "no" as long-term disinterest. 

What are you saying "no" to this Christmas?

15 comments:

Heidi @ Decor & More said...

Good for you! I am saying "no" to neighborhood parties (love my neighbors but enough is enough), getting my Christmas cards out before the 15th (yes, i usually do!) and stress in general. Channeling God's Peace so I can focus on the real reason for the Season, the birth of our Lord.
Enjoy, Susan!

Linda said...

GOOD FOR YOU, Susan!!!!!!! I hear your "no", but your "YES" is even louder - for our Lord and Savior of the manger, the cross, and the empty tomb. Phil.4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." I pray that you and I will have times to ponder with obedience and sincerity the eternal message of Christmas - He came to earth and was born for us.
Thank you for knowing when to say no.

Amy Sullivan said...

Um, that's the problem. I really haven't started saying "no" yet. Today, we are getting loads of snow. It is a good time to reflect on the things that should be on my "no" list!

BigD said...

I got on the "No" kick a few years ago--and it's been working just great!
I'm going to sound like a scrooge on this year's addition:
My "No" is extending to no longer buying gifts for relatives I don't see more than once a year (if that) who don't care enough to even acknowledge them when I do. I've been trying to trim that list for a few years, and this is the year I took an axe to it!

My only problem is: I seem to be over-buying for my husband and kids. I like giving gifts and I really had my shopping done a couple weeks ago. So now I'm having to tell MYSELF no about buying more stuff. I think it's withdrawl.

Erin said...

Good for you!!!

I'm pretty sure I'm saying no to sending out Christmas cards this year.

Wendy Paine Miller said...

I think I need to learn to say no louder to myself. I've gotten skilled at it with church projects and relatives asking way more than I can take on but for some reason I put a lot of demands on myself this time of year.

Good reminder.

Yes to your No!
~ Wendy

Susan DiMickele said...

Thanks! Saying No is so much more about saying YES! Thanks for reminding me of that.

Michelle DeRusha said...

Awesome, awesome -- I totally applaud you! And we are on the same page, girl! I am planning a Just Say No advent post tomorrow -- I will be sure to link over to you!

Anonymous said...

Great one! Good for you :-) I've been saying "yes" to getting together with friends and skipping the obligation if I can't or don't want to fit them in!

Eisley Jacobs said...

I said no to Christmas cards this year and sending any gifts outside my family inside my four walls.

It was freeing.

Sue Harrison said...

I love this post, Susan.

It seems to me that "NO" is the perfect Christmas gift! One size fits all. Available in a dazzling array of colors. NO batteries needed. Appropriate for ages 2 and up. Order now, and you'll get a second NO at absolutely NO additional cost.

Thanks for the inspiration, Susan! God bless!

Tana said...

Susan! Excellent list. I'm done standing in lines myself. If I need anything else I'll have it shipped out. Express if I need to. I'm not having that many of the kids friends over, or over buying, or worrying about how messy my house is with the Christmas clutter. There's always January, right?

Marla Taviano said...

I'm saying no to buying presents my kiddos (and others) don't even need. We're giving more to people who are hungry this Christmas.

p.s. I like you a lot, Susan.

Laura@OutnumberedMom said...

I'm still trying to figure that out, Susan...

More power to you!

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