Parenting Points
While filled with joy and celebration, the Christmas season can also bring considerable stress. From family gatherings and gift shopping to meal preparations and decorating, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, with intentional planning and focusing on connecting with God, families can navigate this busy season while maintaining peace. Here are five ways.
1. Set Realistic Expectations. The desire to create an ideal holiday can lead to unnecessary pressure. Instead of striving for perfection, embrace the beauty of simplicity. Choose a few meaningful activities and traditions your family cherishes and let go of the rest. This might mean simplifying your holiday meals or opting for fewer decorations, allowing your family to focus on what truly matters.
2. Prioritize Time with God. Amid the hustle and bustle, carving out time for personal and family devotion is vital. Short daily readings from the Bible, Advent devotionals, or family prayer times can ground your spirit and foster peace. These moments of connection with God can remind you of the true meaning of the season—the birth of our Savior—and help alleviate seasonal stress.
3. Build Family Downtime into the Holiday Schedule. Building family downtime in your holidays might involve establishing a “no plans” day where everyone can relax, enjoy each other’s company, or engage in peaceful activities like reading, crafting, or playing games. Reducing the rush allows families to reconnect and recharge amid the merry chaos.
4. Look for God’s Daily Blessings. Take time each evening in December to reflect on the day’s highlights, share blessings, and express thanks. This simple practice shifts the focus from stressors to the joy of gratitude to intentionally watch God’s work in you and your family’s lives.
5. Practice Good Communication. Open dialogues about stressors and expectations help prevent misunderstandings. Share feelings, delegate responsibilities, and support one another. By approaching the holidays as a team, families can foster an environment of collaboration rather than competition.
By staying grounded and connected to God, your family can create space to celebrate and remember the season’s true meaning – Jesus, who came to bring us peace. Don’t let the stress and business of the season keep your family from experiencing Jesus this season.
–Dr. Ben Birdsong
Director of European Expansion for First Priority Global Ministries
