Let's Connect + A Holiday Tip + A Discount

Hi friend -

Three quick things I wanted to share with you today:

1. I'd love to connect with you.

Are you on Instagram? I've been sort of slow (okay, really slow!) to get going on Instagram, but I want to start using it more often. I know that a lot of people love it as a place to connect and share ideas. And some people use it to share a "perfect" version of their life - but I'm going to try to avoid doing that!

If you're on Instagram, I'd love for you to follow me - gaye_christmus. And I'll follow you back so that we can get to know each other better.

2. A holiday tip to make your life less stressful (and more fun!).

Earlier this week I shared three tips with you for making the upcoming holiday season a little bit easier and a lot less stressful. (Check out that email if you missed it - I think that if you implement those tips over the next week or two, they'll really make a difference in how Christmas and the whole holiday season feels to you this year.)

Today I want to encourage you to do one more thing -

• During the holiday season, save some time and energy for your marriage. You know how easy it is for Christmas and other holiday preparations to suck up all of your time and energy. It can feel like you say goodbye to your husband right before Thanksgiving and don't connect with him again until sometime after Christmas!

It can make both of you feel incredibly cranky, and can make the season seem extra stressful.

This year, start now and make a plan to do things differently. Set aside some time at least twice a week, from Thanksgiving through Christmas, to do something fun together. Go on a date or stay home and watch a movie - or do anything else that's fun for both of you - but make it a priority. (Here are some ideas for having fun with your husband during the Christmas season.)

Simplify your life as much as possible. Let go of things that aren't really important, and do other things the easiest way possible. By doing so, you'll free up some time and energy for your marriage.

And make time for sex - not just for your husband, but for you too. It's a great way for the two of you to connect in a fun, intimate way - and it can be a great stress reducer! If you feel as if you're always too tired for sex (I know that feeling!) figure out ways to get more rest and relaxation. You feeling rested and enjoying sex with your husband are more important than most of the items on your holiday to-do list!

3. And don't forget about this discount that's available until tonight at midnight.

If you're looking for more tips to help you de-stress the holiday season this year, I've put about 75 of them together in a new ebook - Peace. Love. Joy. - 75 Simple Ways to Take Care of Your Health, Happiness, and Marriage this Holiday Season. It will show you how to slow down, focus on what's most important, use simple hacks to save time and energy, take care of your health, and enjoy your marriage - all during the busiest time of the year!

And you can get it for 50% off (just $4) between now and midnight when you use the code FRIEND50 at checkout. (If you miss the date to use that discount, you can always use the code FRIEND25 to save 25% off anything in my shop.)

I'd love to hear about your plans for making the Christmas season more fun and less stressful this year. Just reply to this email and let me know.

Gaye