This is your friendly reminder to celebrate this Christmas season in the way that best suits your desires, ability, and capacity.
For some of you this means going all out! Outdoor festive lights, multiple Christmas trees in your home, the smell of fresh baked goods, a gazillion gifts around the Christmas tree, hosting parties, attending parties, big family gatherings, volunteering, the Nutcracker, mailing beautiful Christmas cards, giving to those less fortunate, Christmas movies, etc. For others this means minimal Christmas decor, a few gifts around the tree, and even fewer activities on the calendar. And for most of us it probably means something in between.
The point is to consider your God given personality, your season in life, and what actually brings you peace and joy during this season. Everyone is different, and what fills someone’s cup, would empty someone else’s completely. A calendar full of festive activities can be energizing for some, and completely draining for others. A low-key Christmas season can feel extremely empty and depressing for some, but it could be life-giving for others.
If you’re feeling stressed or sad this holiday season, take some time to evaluate what is causing the discomfort. You might find out the way you are celebrating Christmas is not in alignment with your values. Pursue what is best for your family, and don’t look to your right or to your left. There is not just one right way to celebrate the holidays, and you might find that it could even look different for you from year to year.
May you receive the grace Jesus came to give you, and may His grace be reflected in all you do this season.
Your turn!
- What has been your favorite Christmas as an adult?
- What was it about it that made it special?
- Make a list of all your plans for this season, and write down the “why” for each of those things.
- How many of the things you listed are life-giving to you or your family?
- How many of the things you listed are draining to you or your family?
- What things can you let go of? What can you add?
- How will you keep Jesus at the center this Christmas season?
Photo by Samantha Evans
