During the eleven years that we lived in Russia we had to
work hard to make Christmas special, since the 25th December was an
ordinary working day. Yet in many ways it was very freeing to avoid all the
materialistic hype and to be able to focus instead on developing our own
meaningful, family traditions. Our first Christmas back in this country was a
bit of a shock and ended up being rather stressful! Since then, we’ve been more
intentional about what we say yes to, and how we celebrate as a family. Here
are some things we’ve learnt:
1) Set your priorities
Take some time to think what is most
important to you at Christmas time. Is it being with wider family? Giving gifts
to people in need? Serving your church or community? Offering hospitality? Choose
one or two things.
2) Don’t be afraid to cut back
With your priorities in mind, think where
you can cut back on extra, unnecessary tasks or obligations that just end up
causing stress. Do you need to send out all those Christmas cards? Do you need
to host that drinks party? Could you agree with your family to send fewer
presents this year or do a ‘secret Santa’ instead?
3) Plan ahead
Start making a plan now: when you need to
start writing cards, who you’re buying presents for, when you’re going to fill
your shoebox for Samaritan’s Purse, when you’re going to put up your
decorations, what your menu plan is for Christmas Day itself…. If you get this
all down in writing in good time then it’s much less likely to sneak up on you
and cause you stress at the last minute. You can also see at a glance if you’ve
just got too much going on and you need to say no to something.
4) Focus on Jesus
Now that you’ve taken care of the usual
Christmas obligations, take time to think about how you can focus on the real
meaning of Christmas this year. Can you make the nativity scene the central
Christmas decoration in your living room instead of the tree? Do you have an
advent wreath and advent candles? Is there a special devotional you can follow
throughout advent? Are there special crafts you can do with your kids* or books
you can read?
5) Enjoy
It’s such a shame that Jesus’s birthday
celebrations end up causing us so much stress! Think how you can enjoy the
season instead, for example by playing special Christmas music, lighting
candles, using advent calendars to increase the anticipation, attending carol
services. What is it about the Christmas season that you particularly love?
Wishing you all a peaceful, joyful,
stress-free run up to Christmas!
*Recommended resource for families: truthinthetinsel.com
