Introduction
Matthew 11:28-29 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
As Christians, we are to be set apart from this world. We have peace that should pass all understanding. And yet, we are already overwhelmed and anxious leading into this Christmas season. The reason is apparent: we’ve allowed the secular culture to guide our thoughts, emotions, and even wallets to distract the reason why we are even celebrating! The Advent season is a time for us to honor the coming of the Messiah, whom we already know has conquered the sin and evil of this world. We can once again have a restored relationship with our Heavenly Father! All we must do is run to Him and embrace the forgiveness and peace he offers freely!
So if you’re already stressed about December, could you pause everything you’re thinking and planning? Let’s take a moment to see why maybe what you need to do is simplify your Christmas plans:
1. Simplifying gives you more time to cultivate relationships.
Companies and social media want us to believe that our families need extravagant experiences to make for a beautiful holiday season. But we know that’s not the case!
By simplifying your schedule and reducing the number of activities you commit to, you will have more time to cultivate relationships with those around you. Instead of prepping and running from one event to another, you will have extra time to fully enjoy the few things you choose to do with your children and be completely present, not worrying about the next thing! Because that’s the underlying reason why we want to do all these extra things – we want to make those around us feel happy and loved!
So why not do so by simply cutting out any excess activities?
If it’s going to be a financial burden to do a big holiday trip, then do something locally that will still offer the same time together with family. If you’re overwhelmed with all the holiday parties, choose one or two to attend. Take a moment and look over your calendar, highlight the days you plan to do specific activities, and then cross off any extra.
2. Simplifying models to your children that memories can be made and found in the simplest things, not just the lavish ones.
One of the most challenging parents struggle with is gifts. We have grown up in a society that says we need to offer more expensive gifts (and more gifts on top of that), so our kids feel loved.
But here’s a truth bomb for you: giving our children material things won’t increase their love for us. This one-day gift opening will not compensate for the year-long relationship-building that should have been occurring already!
But here’s a truth bomb for you: giving our children material things won’t increase their love for us. This one-day gift opening will not compensate for the year-long relationship-building that should have been occurring already!
So here are some suggestions on gift giving:
- Consider your finances and what you can afford. Refrain from letting marketing companies around you guide your decision-making (including social media and friends).
- Commit to 1-3 gifts per child. We follow the guidance of buying 1) something to read, 2) something to wear, and 3) something to play with/craft. This year we’re adding 4) something to experience since we live in Japan and want to use that as one-on-one time with a parent.
- Create fun coupons as gifts. It can be a date to the ice cream store; a movie purchase of their choice; a free chore week; or a skip homeschool day. There are an endless number of ideas you can come up with. You’ll be surprised how much children love these coupon gifts!
Another challenge families have during this time is, as the first section suggests, thinking they must do all the activities and trips to make for a meaningful holiday. But as we already have discussed, children want their parents to talk to, play with, and read stories!
Here is a list of things you can do that don’t require any prep time at all:
- Hot cocoa and sweets by the fire
- Stories under the dining table with flashlights and pillows
- Christmas carols in the backyard with neighbors
- Acting out the story of Baby Jesus being born
- A car ride through the neighborhood to look at Christmas lights
- Christmas movie with popcorn
- Baking treats for the neighbors
These are the times your children will remember and cherish (and you didn’t even need to break the bank or leave your home for it!). Modeling how you plan your Christmas will set the stage for realistic expectations and future gatherings your children will have as they age. You have an opportunity to ensure they, too, can have meaningful anxiety-free Christmases with their own children!
3. Simplifying puts the focus back on what matters.
At this point, you can see why simplifying matters so much: it requires us to consider how we spend our time, money, and energy. This process can be complicated because there may be layers upon layers we have to peel back to get to the root of the problem. It could be jealousy, regret, past hurts, unrealistic expectations, fear, etc. We must face these things now and not allow the world to steal the true joy only found in why we are celebrating in the first place: Jesus Christ.
He is who we should constantly strive towards, point to, and desire DAILY. Radical steps may have to occur if we want to honor Christ in every aspect of this Christmas season. For example…
If social media causes you to be jealous because you’re constantly comparing Christmas experiences, then delete it off your phone for this season.
If you impulse buy but are trying to stay on budget, don’t step into any stores or sign out of all the online shops you would typically access.
Be proactive so you can focus on what matters most this Christmas!
Conclusion
The holiday season doesn’t have to be complicated because the heart of it is all about relationships:
God sending His only begotten Son to earth so that our relationship with Him is restored once again.
So let’s redirect our minds and hearts to the reason for the season! Let’s point our children to Jesus, who deserves all the glory and praise! Let’s simplify all the planning so our children will only be left with beautiful memories!
