Five Ways To Create A Peaceful And Christ-Centered Christmas

Is the Christmas season bringing more stress than joy? Are you so caught up in a whirlwind of activities that it’s draining your happiness? Many moms find themselves overwhelmed during this time due to over-commitment to holiday plans or the rapid escalation of events and gatherings, diverting them from a season of peace and relaxation. But, dear Mama, it doesn’t have to be this way. I want to assist you in discovering joy by prioritizing what truly matters, creating lasting memories, and guiding your children toward a Christmas centered around Christ. Here are five ways you can do this. 

#1 SCHEDULE QUIET TIME WITH GOD

 Whether you are disciplined in your time with Christ or not, let’s try to make this one a priority this Christmas season. It can be up to 10-15 minutes a day. You can choose to either pray consistently during this season, do an Advent devotional, or stretch it with an Advent Bible study that will help you deeply connect with Christ through the word of God. The key is prioritizing that time, and I can give you three solid reasons. if you are looking for some ideas, here’s what I am doing. I am listening to The Dawn of Redeeming Grace (aff link), an Advent Daily Devotional, and I started an Advent Study Guide from Proverbs 31 ministries called Pointing to the Promise.

Peace in our hearts:

There is a peace that comes from connecting with Christ daily. Peace means we can handle our anxiety and frustrations, and feel calm in the midst of our busy lives. In the book of Phillippians, Paul wrote to the church of Phillipi, encouraging them to rejoice in Christ, putting away all anxiousness, and bringing all their requests to God through prayer. He then assures them that in doing so, “the peace that passeth all understanding will guard their hearts and minds.”

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Phillipians 4:4-7 (NIV)

What a beautiful assurance and reminder that these words can also encourage us today. 

Peace in our homes:

Wouldn't it be lovely to have a peaceful home? Imagine no shouting, no disobedience, and no backtalk from our children. No snapping at our spouses or nagging at others at home.

e. We can all aspire to cultivate a more tranquil household. I’ve discovered that the Holy Spirit provides significant nudges and gentle responses when we regularly connect with Christ. Spending time in His presence not only allows us to deepen our relationship but also helps us embody Christ-like qualities. This involves choosing grace over harsh words, steering clear of sinful outbursts, and substituting them with constructive, character-building guidance that can bless our children. While we cannot solve our parenting struggles this season, we can ask God to direct our responses to avoid escalating matters further. 

Knowing God:

We read the Bible so we may learn more about who God is. God reveals himself to us with every story we read and every verse we are drawn to. We need to spend time reading the Bible so we may know him more; in knowing Christ, we are better for it. 

#2 MAKE TIME FOR CHRIST AS A FAMILY

Before we discuss all those beautiful and exciting memory-making activities, let’s talk about how we can prioritize time together as a family in the presence of God, teach our kids about Christmas, and grow in faith by learning more about Jesus. 

Use a family devotional:

So many Advent resources can guide your discussions and teach your family the story of Christmas. The goal is to unite as a whole and connect with God. Keep it simple so it may not feel like one more thing to do, but a time you enjoy gathering together.

I am reminded of the story of Joshua, who was chosen to lead the Israelites into the promised land. Before they enter, Joshua reminds them of God’s laws, God’s faithfulness, and his covenant to them. He then appeals to them not to be drawn into Pagan practices such as those in the neighboring regions and asks them to serve God alone. He then boldly declares, a well-known verse, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” The rest follow in his footsteps and pledge their allegiance to God. This declaration mirrors our shared aspiration – to unite and serve God in this season. (You can read this story in Joshua 24).

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua 24: 15 (NIV)

(Last year, I wrote a family devotional that is short, easy, and family-friendly for little kids. You can check them out at my Etsy store.)

Read the gospel of Luke:

If you are looking for something simple to do with your family, read through the book of Luke. Luke has the most descriptive account of Jesus birth. Not only will you learn about Jesus’ Birth, but you will also learn about his life, death, and resurrection. What a great way to focus on Christ than to know about him. 

Read Christ-Centered Christmas Books:

During your family prayer time, pick Christ-centered Christmas Books or the children’s Bible to read as a family. At the end of it, take turns praying. It will teach your child to pray boldly and loudly for and with others. In our home, we like to pick one person in the family to say a prayer each day and while everyone gets a chance, I have a select few who love doing it more than others. We also pray using a prayer jar in December, which I will share more about in a coming blog.

#3 NO MORE THAN THREE MEMORY-MAKING ACTIVITIES

If you are anything like me, your month is filled with every possible holiday and Christmas tradition that exists out there. We watch other moms on social media sharing all the fun things they do, and we just want in.

But Mama, if you can create traditions that are doable for you without hassle, repeatable, and enjoyable to everyone, then you have hit the jackpot. Try to limit those big activities from one to no more than three. 

Here are a few ideas for you that are most common and easy to do.

#4 ACCEPT HELP

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, moms often take on the responsibility of handling everything to ensure things run smoothly and perfectly. However, let’s take a moment to humble our hearts and opt for assistance over pursuing perfection this festive season. Here are some ways you can do it.

Allow each to use their gifts to serve:

Humans often find it challenging to accept help freely, as we tend to feel the need to reciprocate every favor. Moreover, we sometimes have expectations without truly understanding the capabilities of those around us. In the book of Romans, Paul writes to the church about the various gifts that make the church one body and how each must use their gifts as intended. This holds true today, where we are surrounded by people who are called to serve in various capacities in our own lives as well. I see this with my kids. Each one has a heart to serve in different areas of our home, and as a mom, I need to accept their gifts and allow them to serve in those capacities. 

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead ,do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

Romans 12:6-8 (NIV)

When help comes calling, say yes

If your family is willing to help you clean up after a meal, or your kids want to tidy up the table, or a friend is willing to watch your kids so you can catch up on errands, then don’t shy away from help. Saying yes does not make you weak, nor does it take away from all the times you have already served. If you are overwhelmed by the season, say yes to a friend or family member who is willing to help you. We can preserve our energy to enjoy the moments that matter, while allowing others the joy of serving, if that is what they are called to do. We can accept help gracefully and let others pour into our lives.

Assign tasks for the season to every family member:

Delegating chores at home is a great way to share the load of labor that comes after a full day of work. Assigning each their own task is a smart way to work whether it be the holiday season or not. This will save us a lot of trouble and confusion about expectations. Offer incentives and rewards to motivate all members of the family to complete their tasks. Don’t forget to allow some grace for slackers ;-); it is the season to be gracious after all.

#5 CHOOSE FEWER GATHERINGS

Finally, when faced with invitations to numerous Christmas and holiday gatherings, as well as birthday parties, take the time to determine the number you truly wish to engage in. No one can tell you what you should do, especially during this season. Assess the events that resonate with the entire family and be open to gracefully declining a few. Give precedence to family commitments, ensuring ample space for relaxation, quality family time, time with God, and a season free from unnecessary stress. 

Concluding Thoughts

To the Mama reading this, there is no right way to celebrate the season. Take it slow, or fill it up. The key is to do what brings joy to you and your family. If your heart, mind, and soul can take all the planning and organizing it takes and you find great joy and meaning in having a busy season, then let your home be filled with the festivities. But if you are looking for some reprieve, then I hope this blog will inspire you to make room for what truly matters. 

May you be blessed this festive season.