Here is where I will post the daily Generous Wife tips. Remember to keep checking back.
Try a new flavored lip gloss (there are some great holiday ones coming out now – cinnamon, chocolate, etc.) and ask your husband how he likes the flavor. 
Your lips, my bride, drip honey; honey and milk are under your tongue … Song of Songs 4:11 NAS
As the holidays approach, pray for traveling safety for your husband (and others too).
But when he (Peter) saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. Matthew 14:30-31a NIV
Here’s a nice tip from a generous husband who listens in to the ladies’ list: (thanks, Russell!)
About 15 years ago I bought a Christmas package to Opry Land Hotel for [my wife] for Christmas and she loved it so much. (of course I had to go with her) After we made that trip we decided instead of trying to buy each other gifts for birthdays, Father’s/Mother’s Day, anniversaries and Christmas that we would pool that money and make a trip together instead. … It took the problem of trying to shop and buy something that the other one would like and need. It just removed a lot of stress from our busy lives. We would buy each other a nice card, go out to eat and enjoy each other.
By the way when several of [my wife's] friends found out what I had done they were trying to get on the list to be the next [Mrs. Russell] if anything happened to her. They loved the idea.
I think this tip has real merit (and a lovely sense of humor) because they were thinking outside of the box. They didn’t need more stuff and traveling is what they like to do. Why do what you are “supposed” to do when you can do what you “want” to do.
For those looking for a fun travel adventure, consider the next Romance Cruise.
Check out the “around town” section in the newspaper and find a fun freebie thing to do with your husband. This time of year there’s bound to be a concert in the mall, a play at a local theatre or church, or an area of town with some nice holiday light displays.
From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another. The warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other. Emily Matthews
A couple of trains of thought crashing into each other …
Paul and I have talked off and on about Christmas gifts, the push to spend, and the endless pricey gifts that are expected, but often not wanted or appreciated. That said, we love to give gifts (we’re not being Scrooge). We just want them to be meaningful and thoughtful. We also want to give gifts that are more personal and heartfelt, rather than just buying to buy.
(Totally out of left field … UN figures) The second leading cause of death in children under five worldwide is … diarrhea (no I have not really lost my mind here, I am actually going somewhere with this). 1.9 million children die each year largely because they do not have clean water and they get one of any number of water born illnesses, resulting in diarrhea, resulting in death (nearly 4,000 children died today of something that could have been prevented, 4,000 will die tomorrow and the next day and the next …).
Ok, now I’m going to bring it all together. We spend so much money on useless Christmas gifts and there are so many dying from diseases that clean water would largely prevent. It totally sucks. Why not cut back on what you spend for gifts and give more humble, from-the-heart gifts? Then take at least some of what you don’t spend and give the gift of clean water to those in need. Even if it’s just 20 bucks. Your $20 and my $20 and several others’ $20 can do the job. Just like a gathering of folks can raise a barn (something an individual couldn’t do well alone), so all our $20 can dig the wells needed to provide clean water for those in need.
http://www.withthisring.org/ (I personally know this gal and her organization is legit)
Some people give time, some money, some their skills and connections, some literally give their life’s blood. But everyone has something to give. Barbara Bush
Please, think generous! Lori <><
My husband has started this “DIRM?” thing. Realize that this is the way that my husband thinks and it’s fairly normal around our house. DIRM? stands for “Does it really matter?” I occasionally find him mumbling “DIRM” and now I at least know what it’s about.
The Lord has been on him to really look at the things that he gets worked up over (most don’t really matter) and the things that he tends to ignore or overlook (some of those things should matter). As I’ve seen my husband wandering around mumbling “DIRM?” I’ve been invited to hear some of what he is reasoning through (my husband is the vocal one and I eventually hear about everything). I’ve been encouraged by his willingness to look at all kinds of issues, and frankly I have been challenged by his courage as he has looked honestly at different areas of his life. I’ve begun to do likewise and am rather surprised by the number of things that I still get too worked up over and a couple of things that I really need to pay more attention to.
So may I challenge y’all to join me in the adventure?
DIRM? Paul Byerly
I spent the day putting up our Christmas tree (over the next few days we’ll add ornaments) and setting out various decorations. My husband, son and I cranked up the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas music and generally acted like a bunch of nuts, rocking out to the music (OK, so our son sat there laughing at us rocking out). LOL It was good fun.
All that to say that holidays are a great time for laughing and carrying on with your family. Relax and smile. Don’t worry too much about messes. Use the time to hug on the folks you love. Sneak a few kisses with your hubby.
Oh, and don’t forget to put up a couple of decorations in the bedroom. Twinkle lights or candles can make for some interesting lighting. Bedroom Christmas trees and/or stockings are great as well. Have fun with it.
The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. Burton Hills
A fun holiday idea is to celebrate The Twelve Days of Christmas. You can do it more traditionally or create your own version. You can give a variety of gifts, give gifts that follow a theme, give coupons, etc. Follow the link and think creatively as well as generously.
The Twelve Days of Christmas
May no gift be too small to give, nor too simple to receive, which is wrapped in thoughtfulness, and tied with love. L.O. Baird
Think generous! Lori <><
Come, my beloved, let us go out into the [bedroom?] … There I will give you my love. Song of Songs 7:12 NAS
Here’s a nice holiday idea from a generous wife: (thanks, Robin!)
During the holiday season my husband and I have a tradition we started 24 years ago before we even had our children. Each year, right before Christmas, we purchased a new board game. After having children we took them with us to pick a game that the entire family would enjoy. We spend time as a family playing our new game on Christmas Eve and throughout the Christmas vacation. Our children are now adults and they still want to go pick a new game each year. This has been a great time to talk as a family and also learn a new game.
I think it’s wrong that only one company makes the game Monopoly. Steven Wright
Our husbands need our kindness. It’s that gentle consideration and helpfulness that warms them and opens their spirit. I really think that God gave women a unique kind of grace and beauty and an ability to be gentle and gracious (not that guys can’t have those things, just think we have a feminine brand that guys hunger for). So the next time you talk to your husband, let gracious words fall off your tongue and the next time he needs some help, offer it with a smile and a gentle pat on the arm.
Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile. Mother Teresa
Create a couple of “private signals” that you and your husband can use during the holiday season. The “private” part builds intimacy between the two of you and the “signal” part comes in handy during the social situations and busyness of the holidays. Lightly tapping the back of his hand might mean, “I’m tired, can we wrap this up and head for home?” Tugging your ear might mean, “I need a hug” or “please rescue me from this conversation.” Don’t forget to create a few romantic/sexual signals as well. (“Meet me in the bedroom,” “you look absolutely wonderful tonight,” etc.)
There was … language in their very gesture. William Shakespeare, The Winter’s Tale
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