Mark Driscoll posted a great blog article on men with regards to Christmas. He listed 16 tips for men/husbands/dads to help them gear up for the holidays. You can read the whole thing HERE.
The list is as follows:
- #1 – Dad needs a plan for the holidays to ensure his family is loved and memories are made. Dad, what’s your plan?
- #2 – Dad needs to check the local guides for what’s going on to make fun holiday plans for the family.
- #3 – Dad needs to carve out time for sacred events and experiences to build family traditions that are fun and point to Jesus. Dad, is your calendar ready for December?
- #4 – Dad needs to not let the stress of the holidays, including money, cause him to be grumpy with Mom or the kids. Dad, how’s your joy?
- #5 – Dad needs to give experiences and not just gifts. Dad, what special memories can you make this holiday season?
- #6 – Dad needs to manage the extended family and friends during the holidays. Dad, who or what do you need to say “no” to?
- #7 – Dad needs to ensure his family is giving generously during the holidays. Dad, who in need is your family going to adopt and bless?
- #8 – Dad needs to schedule a big Christmas daddy date with his daughter. Dad, what’s your big plan for the fancy daddy date?
- #9 – Dad needs to schedule guy time with his son. Dad, what are you and your son going to do that is active, outdoors, and fun?
- #10 – Dad needs to help Mom get the house decorated. Dad, are you really a big help to Mom with getting things ready?
- #11 – Dad needs to ensure some holiday smells and sounds. Dad, is Christmas music on the iPod, is the tree up, and can you smell cookies and cider in your house?
- #12 – Dad needs to snuggle up and watch some fun shows with the kids, especially the little ones. Dad, is the DVR set?
- #13 – Dad needs to take the family on a drive to see Christmas lights while listening to music and sipping cider. Dad, is it mapped out?
- #14 – Dad needs to help Mom get the kids’ rooms decorated. Dad, do the little kids get lights or a small tree in their room?
- #15 – Dad needs to read about Jesus and pray over his kids. Dad, how’s your pastoral work going with each of your kids?
- 16 – Dad needs to repent of being lazy, selfish, grumpy, or just dumping the holidays on Mom. Dad, are you a servant like Jesus to your family?
