How to Enjoy a Stress Free Christmas
Christmas time can bring about a lot of stress if we let it. But we can choose to do things a little differently! Today I’m sharing some tips for how to enjoy a stress free Christmas. I hope and pray that as a hard working, loving homemaker you find time to just enjoy this Christmas season with your family!
Nothing saps all the joy out of Christmas like being overwhelmed and stressed out. And yet so many of us are exactly that every single year! If you find yourself dreading the holiday season because of all of your traditions and commitments, it might be time to simplify!
Of course simplifying is much easier said than done. But it can be done! And when you find yourself enjoying Christmas morning, it’ll be more than worth it. The following questions can help you in evaluating what traditions to take on or continue doing, and which ones to finally let go of.
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How to Enjoy a Stress Free Christmas
When evaluating your Christmas traditions/commitments, ask yourself:
Does it fit within our family values?
If you aren’t sure what your family values are, it’s time to come up with them! Our family decided that our values are: Jesus, loving each other, and serving others. There are so many opportunities to serve outside the home during the holidays, but do they hinder my ability to serve my family? Am I so busy trying to make my kids happy that we neglect shoveling our neighbors’ driveway or singing carols at the local nursing home?
Have I gotten so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season that I’ve completely forgotten the point of it all – celebrating and anticipating our Savior? The key is to require all of your activities to be in line with all of your values, without hindering one or the other. That could mean saying no more often than you’re comfortable with, but trust me, it’ll be worth it!
Is it a wise use of our time and money?
Scripture tells us that “the borrower is the slave of the lender.” So put that credit card away! Christmas is for celebrating Jesus – the One who gave up His life so that we could be set free. Is becoming a slave to debt, especially over such temporal things as toys, etc., a wise way to honor Him?
On the flip side, Christmastime is also the season of generosity. It’s a beautiful opportunity to teach our kids about giving over receiving!
Moving off of that soapbox, remember to consider whether you’re investing your time wisely. During this time of advent, sometimes we simply need to be quiet, restful, together. Sometimes we just need more sleep!
Does it cause more stress than joy?
If you are stressed out these days, I’m betting there was a tradition that just popped in your head when you read that question. What is that activity that you put off, or dread, or cringe at the thought?
Or maybe it’s something you enjoy but the rest of your family groans about it. It’s okay to let it go! It doesn’t mean you have to let it go forever, but maybe just this year, or in this chapter in your life, you can tuck it away. Or you can throw it out all together and enjoy the freedom!
Does it encourage us to focus on the true meaning of Christmas?
This is the ultimate question; the bottom line. If your Christmas is so full, so overwhelming, so stressful, that you just can’t find it in you to treasure our precious Savior, it’s time to take drastic measures. The cliche holds true: Jesus really is the reason for the season. Enjoy HIM this Christmas!
And the angel said to them. “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11
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