Holidays come with STRESS. They come with FEELINGS. They come with MEMORIES, and this time of year, MAGNIFIES it all. They come with the game of gift giving and whether or not it was up to the standard. They come with spending money we don’t have on things no one needs. In an attempt to make it about FAMILY, the family aspect is often strained or even left in the dust because of all the stress of making the holiday happen!
Writing that paragraph was enough stress to make me want to skip the whole darn thing.
Let’s change all that. Let’s be the change.
What if we placed JESUS as the most important thing this year, at the forefront of our minds, throughout the whole holiday season? And in doing so, we love each other?
Here is a simple list to help get our families bonding and remembering why we are celebrating this season in the first place!
- Plan intentional family time doing something special. Grab some hot chocolate and take a drive around the city, looking at Christmas lights and listening to Christmas tunes!
- Start a new family tradition! There are SO MANY options online. This year, we are all wearing the same PJs to open gifts. I can’t wait to see Rich in his. 🤣
- Don’t allow phones or devices during family activities. Nothing ruins bonding like a phone, in my opinion.
- Include the family in preparing. Decorating, baking, cooking, house chores, sending out Christmas cards, gift wrapping, all of it is more fun and quicker with extra hands to help.
- Get your family involved in helping someone else this year. The holidays are not about getting, they are about giving. As a family, plan how you all can contribute and help those in need. This one will bless your family more than you know!
- Before opening gifts for Christmas, take the time to pray together as a family. Maybe share a simple thought about the Lord with everyone. Set the atmosphere to one of thankfulness, hope, and love, reflecting on Jesus and what He means to you and your home.
PS: If you have a home of individuals who do not believe in Jesus, this is NOT the time to cram Jesus down their throats. Keep it light and talk about your thankfulness for them and your hopes for the future.
If you are like me, as soon as I get busy, all my good intentions go out the window. I must work hard to be intentional about these things. I make myself slow down and ENJOY those around me. Take time to think about how thankful you are for each person, for all you have, and for all God has given you and done for you. Take the time to tell the Lord how grateful you are. Remind yourself each morning that JESUS is the reason we are celebrating this holiday, and be a LIGHT to those around you.
Everyone is stressed, and some even dread this time of year. Let’s be the ones to bring JOY to those around us and make this year count! I love you all, get out there and shine!