An Intentional Christmas
Create Christmas on Purpose
We all want a wonderful, joy-filled, lovely, memorable Christmas season that we can treasure for years to come. Isn’t that what all the Hallmark movies tell us, anyway? We picture warm cups of cocoa sitting in front of a crackling fire, looking at the lights on the tree, and create an idealistic view of Christmas. But in the end, we’re just hurried, scattered, behind, and stressed. We overspend, are overbooked, and we miss the whole point of the holiday, let alone have any time left to savor it.
As we’re approaching this season, I want to avoid all of the hurry and instead create a Christmas of intention. I want things to happen simply and on purpose so they can be enjoyed, and we can set a rhythm for calm, beautiful Christmases to come.
5 Ways to Create an Intentional Christmas
Here are a few of the things I’m choosing to focus on to make that happen. I invite you to take what speaks to you, leave behind what doesn’t fit, and be inspired to create your own intentional Christmas.
1. Advent. As a Christian, this time is so tender to me; patiently awaiting the birth of the baby boy who would change the whole world and the trajectory of my life. It’s a time of expectancy and preparation for the birth of Christ, and what we can look forward to after his life is over. To get into the spirit of what the season is truly all about, you can get a free Advent Devotional on the MOPS website.
I also just ordered the book Honest Advent: Awakening to the Wonder of God-with-Us Then, Here and Now. I haven’t read it yet, but am looking forward to slowing down with it each day, and preparing my heart for Christmas.
2. A Simple December Calendar. For us, this looks like only one big activity per weekend. Since we still do naps around here, trying to fit more than one thing in during the day leaves us feeling burnt out. It also puts us behind on our usual weekend routines, so we end up starting the week out of sorts.
You know your family’s limits, so remember to honor them even when doing all the things seems like a good idea. Your family’s and your own well-being will thank you, and it leaves time open for spontaneity, Sabbath, and true rest and relaxation.
We have a bucket list of all the things we could do over the holidays, but with a simpler season in mind we only chose three. We even said “no” to something we’ve loved to do in the past, see the Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo. It’s super fun, but we couldn’t find a day or time that wasn’t going to break the bank or send bedtime spiralling into chaos. Instead, the three things we chose to do are: going to see The Nutcracker, host a small cookie party, and do Christmas cards together as a family.
3. No Useless Gifts. We all want a life filled with joy, and NOT one filled with crap we don’t need or want. In that spirit, here are some tried and true gift ideas to stop the tidal wave of useless gifts:
Edible Gifts. Everyone likes food! So give something anyone could love, like chocolate, coffee or tea, specialty sauces or cheese, or homemade jams and jellies.
Books & Paper Goods. Thoughtful books can make wonderful gifts for anyone, as can journals, pens, and such.
Art Stuff for Kids. What’s better than a box of freshly sharpened pencil crayons or fancy paper and shiny stickers? There are also really inexpensive craft kits for kids, which are a lifesaver on long winter days.
Socks and Underwear. Need I say more? Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without unwrapping these holiday gift staples that we all admittedly need.
Charity Giving. You can ask for this instead of gifts, or give it as one. It may not be a tangible, material gift, but will make a difference to someone who needs it. Two of my favorite charities are Hope House Colorado, which supports teen moms, and Mercy House Global, which supports maternity homes in Kenya.
Photo Books. We make these every year for the grandparents, and they’re a smash hit that makes everybody cry. Win win?
4. Music. Music is an easy way to set the mood and tone in your home, no matter what you’re doing. It also brings back memories of seasons past, while being the soundtrack to the memories you’re making this year. Stay tuned for TWO holiday playlists that I’ll be sending in my next email.
5. Close the Season Well. Schedule time to wrap up the celebrations, take down the tree, and pack up the decor so your lights aren’t still up in March. And yes, I may have been guilty in the past for having a Spring Christmas light display.
These are just a few ways that our family is creating an intentional Christmas season this year. Some of it is on the calendar, while others are simply a way to set the tone to allow us to enjoy the holidays.