By 
Yes, Christmas Day has officially past us. Some of you are saddened by the fact that Christmas is over. All of the holiday décor, presents, and lights will transition from being showcased in your home, to now being stored. Although these memory-filled items will soon be packed up, the holiday spirit does not have to be! Why does the Christmas spirit seem to stop as soon as Christmas Day passes? It doesn’t have to stop!
Continue to Cook Food You Love
Sure, Christmas cookies, candy, and treats are fun, but you don’t have to stop. All you have to do is change out the cookie-cutter, or color choices, and voila, a sweet treat throughout the year! Sure, some of you are starting to think about New Years Resolutions, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may be one of those resolutions. Didn’t it bring you joy coming together and preparing a homecooked meal? Why does it only have to be a few times a year? Sure, work and school schedules can be hectic, but if you want the Christmas spirit to linger a little longer, why not continue to look through the family cookbook and try a new recipe!
Continue to Glow
I know waking up in the morning to the glow of Christmas lights, or ending the evening with the illumination of the lights may feel nostalgic, but they don’t have to go away. Incorporate Christmas lights into your everyday décor. Change out strings of lights with a few candles (battery-operated or real) when you can. You can still enjoy the calming glow all year round!
Continue to Show Kindness
Say “Thank You” all the time. Give grace to family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. Continue to donate and give. It doesn’t have to be $500 lego set all the time, but what about quality time? Babysit for those who need a date night, volunteer within your community, surprise someone with a cup of coffee.
Focus on What You Have
“The thing you are complaining about, someone is praying about.”
In a society that needs “more, more, more”, stop and appreciate what you have EVERY DAY. Family, friendships, neighbors, shelter, clothing, food, water are some amazing things to show appreciation for. Spend more quality time with friends and family. Show your shelter some love by continuing to clean, and work on improvements. Enjoy your leftovers, and save water when you can.
Christmas Day is December 25th, but there are 364 more other days to show grace, kindness, gratitude, and appreciation for all of the wonderful things your life offers. Continuing the traditions of family and quality time does not have to be reserved once a year.
Kelly Raulston
“Reliable and Ready” REALTOR® since 2016. I was born in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, but was raised in Texas since 1997. When I found out we were moving to Plano, Texas, I remember looking forward to riding a horse to school and a brand-new pair of cowboy boots! Growing up in Plano prepared me to be competitive, quick, and to have a strong work ethic.
I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Axe’em Jacks! That is where my love for East Texas began. The nature, warm smiles, football games, and community values can't be beat! I graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I was a middle school math teacher in Tyler, Texas. I met my husband, Travis, in Sunday school, and we have been married since September 2016.
I love being a REALTOR® in East Texas! Relationships are genuine, the area is beautiful, and the market is rockin’! I am an involved REALTOR® to better the community. Some of the organizations I am involved with are: The Professional Development Committee, Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee, and Tyler Educational Networking Group. Some awards I have won were “The Hustle Award” in 2016, and “Rookie of the Year” in 2017.
When I am not working with my clients, I like to spend quality time with my friends and family doing the following: running, target practice, read and participate in book club, and playing with my dachshund Greta.
