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Our Christmas List: How you can feel true joy this holiday season

True joy isn’t about the gifts we receive.

The kids have already sent their letters to Santa with wish lists perfectly planned and picked out. For moms, the Christmas list is different. It isn’t about gifts that could be wrapped or tucked under a tree. Instead, it’s about wanting happy families and hearts that feel calm and complete.

We’re helping you find those gifts. Author and speaker Connie Sokol reflected on how her understanding of joy has shifted over the years. “Sometimes we chase joy, but I found for myself that I just am more experiencing joy,” she said. Connie emphasized the importance of seeking joy and recognizing it in everyday moments.

 

The Tale of the Kitchen Table

One of Connie’s most cherished memories was the tale of the kitchen table. After a family divorce, they decided to get a new kitchen table, which became a symbol of togetherness. When they had to evacuate during a fire in 2018, the table was the one thing they wanted to save. Later, when Connie downsized, they couldn’t take the table with them, so they set out to find a new one. The adventure of finding the perfect table, despite obstacles like a sprained toe and late-night shopping, brought the family closer together. “It was not the table, it was the experience of getting the table,” Connie reflected.

Sharing Joy

Connie also shared her tradition of spreading joy during the holidays. She and her son would go to a grocery store and pay for someone’s groceries as a surprise. The spontaneous act of kindness brought immense joy to both the giver and the receiver. Connie encouraged others to be spontaneous and do good, sharing a story of chasing the Northern Lights with a friend, which brought unexpected joy.

Choosing Deeper Joy

Connie highlighted the importance of choosing deeper, lasting joy. She mentioned a talk she heard that stated, “Jesus is joy.” This message resonated with her, emphasizing that the teachings of Jesus bring lasting joy. Connie shared a story of a man who changed the dynamic of his family holiday by choosing to apologize and make amends, which brought a different kind of joy to the celebration.

This Christmas, let’s remember that joy isn’t just found in the gifts we receive but in the moments we create and the love we share. As Connie said, “When you’re looking for it, actively seeking that joy, you are going to find it because that’s what your eyes focused on.”


Find more from Connie on Instagram, @connie_sokol, or on her website, conniesokol.com.

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