It can sometimes feel like it’s not actually possible to simplify this season. And that we can’t have a rejuvenating Christmas without just eliminating all the things that make it memorable and meaningful.
We’ve all tried out the ‘busy’ version of Christmas. In western culture, it’s actually kind of the default. Whether you thrive on a busy schedule or are depleted by one, it is very, very, VERY hard to actually simplify and experience rest alongside all the fun!
The Christmas options are endless (skip to the end if you’ve already hit your “list capacity” for the season!)
Maybe some of us are thinking that, yes, it is busy, but it’s not that busy. Take a quick meander through this list of Christmasy ideas and then we’ll reconvene:
- Get out the tree (or find your tree if you bring home a real one each year), put up the tree in your home, decorate the tree (along with all the other Christmas decor you enjoy).
- Plan the Christmas baking, buy ingredients for the Christmas baking, bake the Christmas baking.
- Design the Christmas cards, order/make the Christmas cards, mail/distribute the Christmas cards.
- Budget for the gifts, ‘online window shop’ for gifts, make decisions about the gifts, buy the gifts, wrap the gifts.
- Rehearse for the school and church Christmas performances.
- Attend the church and school Christmas events.
- Volunteer as a family to model and instil the value of giving.
- Invite friends over to enjoy the ambiance of the season by your Christmas tree.
- Visit friends to enjoy the ambiance of the season by their Christmas tree.
- Peruse a Christmas market (or 1000 … there are so many fun Christmas markets!)
- Watch classic Christmas movies and watch new Christmas movies.
- Go to the community tree light up.
- Walk down Candy Cane Lane and drive to see the city’s best Christmas light displays.
- Complete a 1000 piece Christmas puzzle.
- Make Christmas countdown chains with the kids.
And, even more Christmas ideas!
- Celebrate advent with gifts or special activities each Sunday.
- Read Christmas stories with the kids everyday.
- Host/attend work Christmas parties.
- Host/attend community group, family, friend, and neighbourhood Christmas parties.
- Join the Christmas choir for the Christmas Eve service.
- Host out of town family.
- Build gingerbread houses with family friends.
- Have quiet weekends at home to drink hot chocolate and build lego as a family.
- Buy matching pajamas for the family and matching Christmas outfits for the kids.
- Visit Santa.
- Create funny and festive elf-on-the-shelf-displays each morning throughout December.
- Do creative Christmas crafts with the kids.
- Walk around the mall in December (just for fun cuz we all know the shopping was pretty much done end of November).
- Have each child create cute, handmade cards for all their teachers, friends, cousins, coaches, neighbours, grandparents, and great grandparents. And remember to give them all out or mail them in time for Christmas!
What a wonderful list! … And, kinda overwhelming?
Good ideas aren’t always the right ideas for our families
To us, yes, this list taken as a whole is overwhelming! And the interesting thing is, we like the sounds of basically all of these ideas! Each idea sounds special, fun, or both. It all sounds memorable and Christmasy. It all sounds good.
But even though these ideas are good, we need to acknowledge that they will not all be ‘right’ or worthwhile for our family.
As is true in many areas of life, there is such a thing as “too much of a good thing.” So how do we know when we’ve taken on too much and need to make some changes? How do we sift through all the ‘good’ to hone in on what will lead to meaningful traditions and a rejuvenating Christmas for our family?
Here are a few thoughts that may help us know our ‘why’ for each Christmas activity or tradition we enjoy, and keep ourselves centered in the season:
1. Choose Presence over presents
Choose presence over presents everywhere you can. Ask: What things feel like a box to check off? What activities do we plug into the calendar just because seemingly everyone else is? Leave out these alluring distractions.
Ask: What are the experiences and moments that will actually resonate in our hearts? What are the things we genuinely look forward to? What brings us together and keeps us there? Lean into those things.
2. Ask, don’t assume
Ask, rather than assume! Talk to loved ones to find out what activities are most special to them. Their answers may surprise. And this way the calendar can actually reflect what is most valued by our people.
3. Start with those closest, and work outward
Begin with your closest relationships and work outward. When taking care of people in an intentional order, the overwhelm fades, and the generosity grows.
4. In all the giving… give yourself some thought and care, too
We shouldn’t forget to care about ourselves too! What anticipated activities, planned respite, and enjoyable pace do we need to be at our best for the people we love most?
Encouragement
Over this Christmas season we pray that you and your loved ones will be surprised by little joys, infused with enduring peace, warmed by deep love, and rejuvenated by lasting hope!
Merry Christmas!!
Much love from,
Brianna and Ben
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