Welcome to my last-minute holiday gift guide for women! Yes, it’s that time of the year again where you have to scramble to find the perfect gift for your loved ones. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some thoughtful and unique options!
The Gift Ideas
Heaven-Inspired Jewelry & Gifts
First up, we have the Heaven-Inspired necklaces and gifts from the Crowning Jewels Company. These gifts are perfect for those who love to be encouraged in The Lord. How does the “Heaven Inspired” process work? Their website explains it this way:
How Does it Work?
Choose a style
Select your favorite chain color, size and tag options, if applicable
Fill in your name or the name of the person you’ll gift this to
Add to cart and checkout
We then pray for you or the person this is intended for and design a custom piece based on the promises we heard! Your jewelry will come in a beautiful velvet bag with an encouraging personalized card.
As you can see, this unique gift idea is a great way to show your loved one that you care about their spiritual journey, while also gifting them something special and heartfelt.
Planners, Prayer Journals, and Bible Study Gifts
Next, we have The Daily Grace Co‘s bible study, planner, or prayer journal. Because let’s be real, what better way to start off the new year than by getting organized and prioritizing abiding in The Lord at the same time? These gifts are perfect for the woman in your life who is always looking to grow and learn.
A Cute Beanie or Hat
Now, let’s talk about the stylish beanie/hat. The Carhartt ones are my favorite. Who doesn’t love a good beanie? It’s the perfect accessory to keep you warm and stylish during those winter months. Plus, it’s a great way to cover up a bad hair day. Trust us, your loved ones will thank you for this one.
The Famous Barefoot Dreams Blanket
Moving on, we have the Barefoot Dreams blanket. This blanket is the epitome of luxury, and it’s perfect for those who love to snuggle up on the couch with a good book or movie. Plus, it’s so soft and cozy that you might just want to steal it for yourself.
A Cute Coffee Mug & Stirring Spoon Gift Set
Up next, we have a super cute coffee mug, like this one!
Let’s face it, coffee is life. And what better way to enjoy your morning cup of joe than in an adorable mug? It’s the little things that can make a big difference, and this gift is sure to put a smile on your loved one’s face every time they use it.
Gift Cards for Pampering Herself
Gift Cards may just be the way to the heart of that special person in your life. A massage, a pedicure, a day at the salon getting her hair done- rest assured, we ladies LOVE to be pampered, so you absolutely cannot go wrong with this one. Reach out to her bestie if you’re not sure what salon to choose.
PS, If you’re feeling extra festive, tack on a Starbucks gift card so she can get herself a treat to enjoy while she is out and about.
Soy Wax Candle & Wax Melt Gift
Last but not least, we have a clean-burning soy wax candles and wax melts from Garden Ivy Soap & Candles. These products are perfect for those who love to unwind and relax after a long day. Plus, they all smell amazing, ha have incredibly long burn times, and are made with all-natural ingredients, so you can feel good about gifting them!
Gifts for the Limited Budget
If you’re working with a more limited budget than you were hoping, or you have a thrift-loving lady in your life, don’t discredit the power of shopping secondhand! For more ideas on what to look for, checkout my post here. I share some of my own thrifted finds and how I styled them in my home.
And there you have it, the last-minute gift guide for women. I hope you found this guide both helpful and thoughtful. Happy gifting!
PS, if you end up choosing any of these gift options, feel free to tag me on Instagram and share the recipient’s delight with our community! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
The holiday season can be “the most wonderful time of year”, but it can also be incredibly stressful, making self-care a must! Let’s jump in, bestie. I’ve got you!
As Christ followers, we know the importance of grounding ourselves in the message “Jesus is the reason for the season!” But there is a conflicting heart-tug we often face that brings a pressure to make sure everything is perfect for those around us. It’s important to remember that taking care of ourselves is just as important as taking care of others.
Prioritize Rest
One way to take care of ourselves during the holidays is simply prioritizing rest. It can be tempting to stay up late wrapping presents or baking cookies, but getting enough sleep is crucial for your physical and mental health. The Word tells us in Psalm 127:2, “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.”
Set Healthy Boundaries
Another way to prioritize self-care is to set (and maintain) healthy boundaries. It’s okay to say no to certain events or activities if you’re feeling overwhelmed. It’s even okay to say no to gatherings with family/friends, annual traditions, or the office Christmas party if you know you are not in a place to celebrate authentically. Protecting your energy (and your sanity) will be well worth it in the long run. Remember, it’s better to have quality time with loved ones than to try to do everything and end up feeling stressed and exhausted.
Get Intentional Movement/Exercise
Exercise is one that can be extremely difficult in the cold, busy winter months. Trying to find pockets of time to exercise during the holiday season feels laughable! It’s easy to fall out of our normal routines when life gets busy. Self-care in the form of physical activity is a great way to reduce stress and improve our overall well-being.
Whether it’s going for a walk or doing some intentional stretching and breath work, taking time to move our bodies can make a big difference. I have been enjoying doing the ISO stretch low-impact workout videos through the FasterWay to Fat Loss program. I am able to do these in the comfort of my own living room and start my day by checking “exercise” off of my to-do list. The act of checking that box each day has even proven beneficial for my mental health and influences the rest of my choices each day.
Guard Your Quiet Time
Lastly, and most importantly, don’t forget to guard your daily quiet time like your life depends on it… Because it does!
Taking time to connect with God during the holiday season has obvious benefits, but if we truly desire to get through each day in one piece, this is one practice that needs to be priority. We know that oxygen and food/water are essential to physical survival. In the same way, studying the Word, abiding in His Presence, cultivating Biblical wisdom, and communing with Him in prayer are essential to spiritual survival. And we know that our spiritual survival has eternal significance!
For more information on a morning-routine, check out this post here.
Conclusion
I know this is all easier said than done. It truly is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, but taking a few minutes each day to pray, read the Bible, or reflect on the true meaning of Christmas can help us stay grounded and focused on what really matters. We know the enemy prowls around like a roaring lion looking to devour, we know he comes to steal, kill, and to destroy. If we truly believe these things, mustn’t we consider that one of the greatest strategies of Satan and his army just might be to use distraction and busyness to keep us just unfocused enough to miss the glory of God around us?
As you navigate this holiday season, remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish. You deserve it, and your loved ones will appreciate a happy and healthy you! After all, you cannot pour from an empty cup. So be sure that you’re slowing down enough to have your own cup filled to overflowing every now and then.
Losing a child is, without a doubt, one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through. Dealing with miscarriage as a Christian is a subject not commonly discussed in our churches or social circles. The lack of conversation around this topic can make for an incredibly lonely season of grief. Feeling like no one understands what we are going through leads to hopelessness and depression.
My husband and I have battled the pains of infertility for the last eight years. In summer 2023, we miscarried our first child at five weeks. Losing our sweet baby, Easton Beck Finnegan, caused us to experience a rollercoaster of emotions.
The waves of grief surrounding miscarriage are like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. As Christians, it can be challenging to reconcile feelings of grief and disappointment with a belief in God’s plan for our lives. However cliché it may sound, there really are ways to find comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Steps for Dealing with Miscarriage as a Christian
Step One
The first step is giving yourself permission to grieve. Grief can be so painfully debilitating. Our bodies and brains want to go numb as a form of self-protection. I want you to know that not only is it okay to feel, it is necessary. Sadness, anger, and confusion feel different in the wake of a miscarriage. Give yourself permission to feel these emotions and express them in healthy ways, like talking to a trusted friend or counselor, journaling, or praying.
There is no right or wrong way to grieve. For us, the first step towards healing was giving our baby a name that has meaning. We chose Easton Beck for these reasons:
“East”- The direction the sun rises in. Sunrises have always captivated me, reminding me of God’s new mercies daily and reflecting the light of His glory. “Ton” is short for “Tony”, or “Anthony”, in honor of my Papaw who is the best man I’ve ever known.
“Beck” means “by the peaceful/still waters” which reminds us of Psalm 23:
The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me], I shall not want. 2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and quiet waters. 3 He refreshes and restores my soul (life); He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the Lord.
Psalm 23 (AMP)
When I read this Psalm, I picture a beautiful scene in my mind. The sound of still waters and beauty of rolling hills in green pastures. It brings me peace to envision sitting there with my baby in my arms, the light of His glory shining on me. The warmth of His embrace like the warmth of the sun. I believe I will live this vision out when I cross into eternity. I cling to this hope. One day, I will hold my baby in my arms, but until then I am comforted knowing that the One who holds me is holding Easton, safe and sound, until my arrival.
That is how I am personally dealing with miscarriage as a Christian.
Step Two
Walking hand-in-hand with Jesus in this time is essential. God is with us in our pain, and He understands our heartache. He understands every aspect of our humanness. I find great comfort in knowing that, in taking on flesh, Jesus knows exactly how it feels to be human. He has experienced grief, hunger, exhaustion, and joy. In fact, he has experienced more of the human experience than I have- death. Through it all, he never sinned. Instead, He modeled how we should handle those human experiences.
The Word says that he is able to sympathize with our humanness. He is not afraid of our big feelings or our depressive thoughts. Instead, he weeps with us. With the perfect and loving heart of the Father, he holds space for us and embraces us.
For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.
Hebrews 4:15 AMP
Turn to Him in prayer, and seek comfort in His promises of hope and healing. Find solace in passages like the one above. Similarly, Psalm 34:18 brings comfort:
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
He is faithful. He is waiting for us to invite Him into our pain. All we have to do is turn our eyes toward Him.
Step Three
Finally, seek support from your community. Talk to other believers who have gone through similar experiences, and lean on your church family for comfort and encouragement. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or accept offers of support, whether it’s a meal, a listening ear, or a shoulder to cry on.
The need for community is a major piece of our hardwiring. We were not meant to do life alone. A strong support system can make all the difference in the midst of chaotic situations. The quality of those who make up our community is much more important than the quantity of people.
When looking for those trusted people, you really want to look for individuals who are emotionally healthy. When we invite people into our “stuff”, it is easy for the “stuff” in others to be triggered or provoked. In times of grief, we (as believers, especially) really need people who can speak wisdom and truth. When we are in a state of being triggered, we are not able to be fully available emotionally.
Additionally, who you surround yourself with matters biblically (Prov. 17:17, 18:24). Those friends who are more like family are the ones you can count on to bear your burdens with you. They are the ones who will pray for you, show up for you, and won’t let you walk this road of grief alone.
“People tend to believe that grief shrinks over time. What really happens is that we grow around our grief.”
Remember that healing takes time, and the road is not always linear. Your pain may never go away, but with time, you can find peace and hope for the future. Developing a daily rhythm of prayer is a great way to center yourself everyday. Preparing ahead is not only smart, it is biblically wise. (More on that here). Dealing with miscarriage as a Christian requires our communion with God. If you are looking for ways to incorporate prayer into your daily routine, check out my previous post here.
Allow yourself to grieve, lean on God, and seek support from those around you. Remember that you are not alone. Praise God for the hope we have in Jesus. One day, you too, mama, will be reunited with your baby in Heaven. Until then, we will walk through the pain together. One day at a time.
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Welcome, friend! 🌿✨
Hi, I’m Molly! 🌿✨ I’m passionate about helping others flourish—mind, body, and spirit. After a life-changing health transformation, including bariatric surgery and overcoming challenges with faith, I’m learning to thrive, even in the messiness of life. As a future Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Holistic Health Practitioner, I share tips on health, wellness, and personal growth to inspire you to bloom into the best version of yourself.
Grab a cup of tea (or proffee!), and let’s grow together!
