With Thanksgiving behind us, we are stepping fully into the Christmas season. This can be an exciting time, but, if we aren’t intentional, it can become quite overwhelming. Think about all we do – shopping, cooking, wrapping gifts, holiday parties (family/friends, workplace, every organization), cookie exchanges, children’s performances, and other activities. Did that list tire you? Let’s discuss how you can have a calming and joyful Christmas

Remember the Reason for the Season

I love everything about Christmas. The colorful and white twilinking lights, the aroma of cloves and ginger, the sounds of Christmas music and laughter of children, the cold temperatures that lead me to boots, scarves, coats, and the taste of all the goodies that we only enjoy at the end of the year. I love how all five of my senses are aroused. I will never tire of it.

I love the commercialism of Christmas. The movies. Santa. Wrapping.

But I never forget why we celebrate Christmas. This is a wonderful season to mediate the best gift ever – our Savior arriving as a babe and dwelt among us. And more than that, Jesus came to have us eternally with Him when we accept the gift of His love.

When commercialism overshadows what Christmas is all about, overwhelm can wash over us. Let’s switch it around. How can you lean into the faith aspect of the season? Here are a few suggestions:

• Advent Reading (this is quite popular, but it doesn’t work for me. I get really stressed if I miss a day) Reading Scripture without dates tied to it is a better fit for me.
• Attend faith-based worship services
• Enjoy faith-based Christmas carols. Check out my list in the Christmas Hub.
• Spend time talking to God. That’s exactly what prayer is. Express what’s on your heart.

No is a Sentence

No is a sentence. Read that again. Okay, read it once more. No explanations are need. No. But it’s okay to explain why you cannot attend an event or participate in every seasonal activity. Your self-care is priority. On the first Christmas, the angel declared that peace and joy is ours. It’s our gift wrapped up as a baby.

Practice Self-Love

Skip the holiday overwhelm. Here are several Christmas self-care/self-love activities to embrace.

• Sip a warm cup of tea or cocoa
• Listen to 1 Christmas song from the playlist
• Step outside for fresh air (2–5 minutes)
• Read one page of something uplifting
• Take 3 deep breaths with eyes closed
• Do a 5-minute stretch
• Light a candle or diffuse oils
• Send a quick ‘thinking of you’ text to someone
• Enjoy 1 screen-free hour
• Write down one thing you’re grateful for
• Put on comfy socks and rest your feet
• Take a slow, mindful walk around your home
• Watch a cozy Christmas scene (10 minutes)
• Moisturize your hands with your favorite lotion
• Turn on soft Christmas lights and breathe

Enjoy the Gift of Christmas

I want you to be able to fully lean into the gift of Christmas – without the overwhelm. I hope this blog post gives you practical tips into making this a fabulous holiday season. Whether you are super excited about this time of year, or feeling stressed, take a few moments to embrace some of the self-love practices. Visit my Christmas Hub for more calming holiday ideas, playlists, recipes, and self-care tips. And please, let me know which one is your favorite.

Merry Christmas, my friend!

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