The Gift of December 12 Days of Christmas with Dymond’s Diary | Day One: Intentional Joy

Choosing Intentional Joy At The Start Of The Christmas Seasons 

Hey Alexa, play “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams.

It’s my second favorite time of year, the first being my birth month. The last six weeks of the year are truly the most magical. I know some people believe the Christmas season starts the day after Halloween, but I like to wait until December 1st. I prefer to let Thanksgiving have its moment as its own cozy fall holiday before I throw myself into Jingle Bell Rock.

Before I go any further, I want to pause and acknowledge that this season doesn’t feel magical for everyone. I know some of you are navigating grief, loss, or heaviness during the holidays. Please know you are seen, loved, and covered in prayer. I pray God meets you with comfort and peace this season. This space and this series is for you too.

My December kicked off with family still in town from Thanksgiving, and that alone boosted my mood. Being around my family always does, I love them so much. I’ve shared before that I’ve been in a transitional season of rebuilding and reconnecting since losing my job in August. Even so, my spirits have remained high, and I’ve been in a genuinely good place thanks to God’s grace. Yes, I have my days but I have more good ones than bad. I refuse to let my circumstances steal my joy or keep me from enjoying the holiday season, so I’ve made a conscious effort to lean into the festivities.

In the past, I’ve committed to Blogmas and Vlogmas, posting daily holiday content all the way through Christmas. This year, with everything going on, I didn’t have the capacity to commit to 25 straight days of content. Over the weekend, while planning what felt realistic and aligned, the idea for a shorter series came to me and just like that, it clicked. The Gift of December: 12 Days of Christmas with Dymond’s Diary.

Over the next twelve days, I’ll be sharing my holiday favorites; from festive fashion and Christmas outings to holiday routines and thoughtful gift guides I think you’ll genuinely love. It’s my version of Blogmas, just more intentional and within twelve days. I’m truly so excited about this series.

I’ll be honest, I’m a little behind on my festivities this year. By this time last year, my Christmas tree and decor were already up, and I had even hosted a Christmas movie night with friends at the beginning of the month. This year, I’ve dabbled in a few Christmas outings, but I’m still on the fence about hosting. This season looks different, but I’m choosing to enjoy it fully, exactly as it is.

Last week, I picked up my Christmas tree from my grandfather’s house, where I store it, and stopped by a few stores to grab some additional pieces. I spent Sunday turning my house into a Christmas wonderland, and honestly, decorating brought me so much joy. This December, I’m prioritizing intentional joy, doing the things that make my inner child smile.

This felt like the perfect start to my twelve days of Christmas. Whether you’re in a transitional season like me, single and rebuilding, married, or creating holiday magic for your children, this series is for you. I truly believe there’s something here for everyone. I’m inviting you into these next twelve days with me. Tomorrow is all about prioritizing you and how I maximize the holiday season as a single woman.

I love the joy and magic that come with Christmas; the sense of wonder, the endless possibilities, the feeling of hope. This season is about restoring faith, spreading love, giving generously, and being present. While it’s easy for the focus to drift toward gifts, Jesus is the true reason for the season. Christmas is a reminder that God loved us so much He gave His only Son. Through Jesus, we were cleansed and redeemed. If He can love us that deeply, the least we can do is love one another.

Christmas is also a time to restore your faith. I often think about Mary, how she accepted the message delivered by the angel Gabriel with trust and obedience. She believed she had found favor with the Lord. God is no respecter of persons; we too, can put our faith in Him. What He promises, He fulfills. His word will not return void.

So I challenge you to lean in this season. Open your eyes to the beauty, the blessings, and the quiet moments that Christmas brings.