Simple Christmas- 5 tips to keep the hustle out of the Holy
Simple Christmas- 5 tips to keep the hustle out of the Holy
In this season of anticipation, I am reminded of Mary as she waited for Jesus’ arrival. She understood the season of waiting. The urgency, and yet the unknown, of an impending season.
Yet I wonder…did she feel peaceful? Frazzled? Hopeful? Content?
While we fret about the days being “accomplished”, our checklists being complete, we have the gift of choice. We can embrace the opportunity of rest in this season of waiting. Of Advent.
If we don’t allow a pregnant pause in our days, how will we truly celebrate the arrival of our King?
Luke 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
Celebrations are wonderful things, and I am all for them! But if you, like me, struggle to keep your eyes focused on the big thing, maybe we can both learn to keep less hustle in our most precious observances.
How do I have a simple Christmas?
Write it out– make a list of what is an obligation versus a life-giving experience. Carefully consider the weight of each, and make some firm choices of what really matters to you and your family.
By seeing it all written on paper, it is easier to include plenty of margin to breathe deeply and spend our precious moments living well, not in a rush (read here how The Humbled Homemaker likes to prepare)
Give within your boundaries- don’t fall for all of the advertisements. We can absolutely embrace a memorable holiday season without overextending ourselves Be realistic about what your pocketbook can afford, and stay within that boundary.
It isn’t worth the stress later on. Give gifts from the heart, and if you can’t afford a gift? Give time, love, hospitality…the things that put the holy back into our Christmas. Building memories is the best gift
Plan ahead– allow time for rest as “appointments” try to dominate the calendar. Treat your body as an honored guest too! Avoid overdoing it physically, so that there isn’t energy left to celebrate.
Self-care in this month of competing options will pay off big time, don’t feel guilty about those quiet moments
Outgive grace– people will make us nuts this time of year. Let’s remember that we too, will make someone else feel frustrated. What if we determined to extend so much grace, there was none left to give?
To others…and to ourselves
Stay home more– with all the hustle surrounding the outside of our homes, we have more choice than we realize to create an atmosphere of peace. Part of that comes in avoiding the crowds, the traffic, the chaos on a daily basis and planning some family fun right at home.
We control the music, the ambiance, the mood (more than we’d like to admit sometimes!) and can promote joy in our own sanctuary
Adding intent to a slow, simple Christmas
Colossians 3:2, “Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth“
Listen, I LOVE celebrating the holidays with every festive song, party, and light display too. Those things are super fun and created wonderful bonding experiences for our families.
The Holy behind the holiday
It’s just, well… there is so much more to it.
There has been only one Christmas – the rest are anniversaries – W.J. Cameron
I want to remember the Holy behind the holiday. And without purpose and intent, that just doesn’t seem to happen. Here is to keeping the hustle out of YOUR Holy this Christmas too! May you be blessed ♥
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6
Christmas Resources to encourage you:
- One of our favorite movies about Christmas expectations-Christmas With The Kranks
- God Hears Her, A Joyful Christmas: 31 Morning and Evening Devotions
- The Great Christmas Bowl
- Have Yourself a Minimalist Christmas: Slow Down, Save Money & Enjoy a More Intentional Holiday
- Everybody Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People
- Why the Nativity?: 25 Compelling Reasons We Celebrate the Birth of Jesus
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Love this! Such an important reminder! Praying your Christmas is more holy than hustle! Blessings!
You too Liz, thank you so much
I so want to remember the Holy behind the holiday too. I love that, Christa. The busyness of this season can take far too much away from the true meaning of Christmas. I’m definitely working on more memories and less gifts this year. My daughter has been away at college all year so having her home will be huge! Thanks for your important reminders of what’s truly important.
Us too Candace! Enjoy your daughter, mine can’t wait to come home (and her sister can’t wait either!). I pray you enjoy the memory making ♥
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of GO GO GO! I like what you said about staying home. Family always helps us to remember what’s important in life and to get the rest we need to see the holiday so much more clearly. Love these 💕
Thank you Brittany, appreciate hearing your perspective too! Wise words
Every year I hope to read a Christmas advent bible reading plan, and never get around to it. I’ve finally got around to it this year and I’m beating myself up for missing a couple days! I need to remember to breathe and focus on what really matters. Thank you for the reminder to breathe this season 💕
Hi Rachel, the hustle sneaks in really well, doesn’t it? Extend yourself tons of grace and just pick up perhaps on whatever day the calendar shows. That is what I’ll be doing…advent should be a joy not a burden BUT we can sure tend to switch that around easily when we fall behind. Have a blessed Christmas!
Great insight! I am going to put them into practice.