What are we talking about today?
The holidays are great… but they are often so busy! And it’s way too easy to get distracted from the important things that you want your family time to focus on for Christmas.
Maybe you’re distracted by the presents, maybe it’s all the extra parties and gatherings, or maybe it’s simply a busier to-do list. Whatever it is, let me encourage you today to set it aside. Refocus. Be realistic, and make time for what is actually most important for you as a Christian mom.
If you’re anything like me, those most important things include Jesus, family time, and gratitude. So today, I’m offering 10 simple tips for how to keep these things at the center of your family’s holiday season.
Don’t spend a lot of money, don’t spend a lot of time, but DO be intentional with the time and money that God’s given you.
Let’s dive in.
Listen to Episode 106:
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More resources for you!
If today’s topic is meaningful to you, these resources will give some additional support:
- Get the free 100 Ways to Love Your People Well PDF for some simple ideas to try out.
- As we approach Christmas, stay rooted in Christ with these Advent Story Cards for your family or this Advent Devotional for yourself.
[This post may contain affiliate links. If a purchase is made, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.]
Today's Episode Highlights
For good or for bad, the holidays have a lot of emotion tied up in them. Even though it only comes around once a year, between family traditional and cultural messages, most of us have strong memories linked with the Christmas season.
And I know that as a Christian mom, the holidays are super important for my family.
This is not only a season for fun and family time, but a season that can easily get off track if I just go with the flow of what’s happening around me. Yes, I want to have fun with my kids and my family – but even more than that, I want to keep Jesus at the center of everything we do. I want us to celebrate him, not ourselves.
So, hopefully, the tips below will help all of us to prioritize well during this Christmas season!
10 ideas for your family holidays
- Have a daily ritual during the holiday season that is centered on your top priorities, such as sharing an area of gratitude every day during dinner.
- Schedule everyone’s favorite holiday activity into the calendar, and say no to the extra stuff that other people might want you to be a part of.
- Find an Advent calendar or devotional to go through with your family during the month of December. (You can find mine, for the family or for an individual devotional, in the Etsy shop.)
- Involve your whole family in acts of service or generosity during the Christmas season, such as serving a meal at a homeless center or buying gifts for children in need.
- Add gifts to your Christmas wish list that are for other people, such as the gift catalogs from World Vision or other ministries that help others.
- Make a bucket list (in advance!) of Christmas activities your family wants to enjoy, and have fun working your way through the list.
- Participate in the extra Advent or Christmas activities going on at your church and in your local community.
- Take time each day or at least each week to talk with your family about the true meaning and history of Jesus’ birth. Go back through the Old Testament prophecies, the gospel stories of his birth, and connect it to your celebrations today.
- Reach out to family members whom you don’t talk to often, to catch up and wish them a Merry Christmas.
- Connect your Christmas events back to the deeper meaning of Christmas with an activity that is tangible for your kids. For example, when you get photos with Santa, have your kids decorate a frame with a Scripture verse… and put the photo in there. Every Christmas activity could connect with deeper biblical truths, but finding activities to reinforce that can create great memories.
Want more encouragement on this topic?
Check out these other episodes for more biblical encouragement and practical tips on this topic:
- Episode 74 // Taking every opportunity for family discipleship: Ideas for celebrating Holy Week, Easter Sunday, and beyond with your family
- Episode 81 // Creative ideas for summer break, rainy day activities, and everything else to crush the “I’m bored” mom guilt
And don’t forget to grab a resource or two that will help you LOVE Christian family life!
Friday Faith Follow-up
As you’re enjoying that extra family time, make sure that you’re not only using it to have fun, but also to disciple your children. The Christmas season is the perfect time for some deeper conversations and teaching about Jesus. It is celebrating his birthday, after all! In this quick episode, I’ll share 6 questions that can help your family discipleship during the holidays.
Hey, before you go!
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Hugs & blessings to you, my friend! I’ll talk to you soon.
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A reminder of the Disclaimers & Disclosures Policy: I am an affiliate with many of the resources I recommend, which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through my provided links. I never recommend products I don’t love! Also, I am a licensed therapist but this podcast is not therapy. It is not professional or personal advice to your specific situation. Get info about professional counseling here.
