From Chaos to Calm: Reclaiming Joy This Holiday Season
The Christmas season is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year—but for many of us, it feels like a never-ending to-do list. Sound familiar?
Your Christmas chaos might involve questions like this:
When is the school party I promised to bake cookies for?
Do we really need lights outside, or will the kids survive without them?
Was I supposed to host New Year’s Eve again?
It’s so easy to get so hung up on the “stuff” related to Christmas. Before we know it, the joy of the season is replaced by stress.
Photo by Masood Aslami: https://www.pexels.com/photo/vibrant-christmas-market-in-frankfurt-29730956/
Is This What Christmas Should Feel Like?
I’m thinking about this differently this year. I can’t help but think maybe the frantic pace isn’t what God intended for Christmas.
Instead of exhausting ourselves to create a picture-perfect holiday, what if we took a different approach this year?
The Gift of Boundaries: A New Approach to the Holidays
Healthy boundaries can transform your holiday season from overwhelming to meaningful. I’d love to share some practical ways I’ve learned (and in some cases, am still learning) to set boundaries and limits while still creating a joyful celebration:
1. Simplify Your Commitments
Skip the stress of homemade treats—store-bought cookies work just as well!
Take a break from exterior holiday lights this year—your electric bill will thank you.
Pick ONE Christmas event or program to go to instead of feeling bound to them all.
2. Prioritize Time Together
Spend New Year’s Eve quietly at home instead of hosting a big party, OR make reservations and go out!
Plan when to arrive—and leave—family gatherings.
Stay home—let people come to you at specified times.
3. Communicate with Clarity
Set a gift budget with your partner.
Share responsibilities with your family so everyone pitches in.
Set reasonable expectations with your extended family.
4. Learn to Say No
Decline events that don’t align with your family’s priorities or your own capacity and communicate your No with confidence and compassion.
Photo by Tugay Kocatürk: https://www.pexels.com/photo/elegant-holiday-dinner-table-setting-29718953/
Why Self-Care Matters at Christmas
Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When you care for your mental, physical, and emotional health, you’re better equipped to love and serve those around you.
Ideas for Holiday Self-Care:
Carve out daily quiet time for prayer or reflection.
Set aside a morning to wrap presents while sipping your favorite holiday drink—even if it’s Bailey’s or Bourbon Cream!
Skip an event if you know it will leave you feeling drained.
Jesus Modeled Rest—So Can You
Throughout His ministry, Jesus took time to rest and recharge:
Luke 6:12-13: Jesus prayed alone on a mountainside.
Mark 6:30-32: He led His disciples to a quiet place to rest.
Mark 7:24: Jesus sought solitude in a house, away from the crowds.
These moments weren’t selfish—they were necessary for His mission.
You need rest too.
Especially during the Holidays.
One of the most beneficial ways you can care for yourself this holiday season is to allow yourself time to rest.
A Season of Peace and Purpose
By following Jesus’ example of rest and setting clear boundaries, you can create a holiday season that’s less about chaos and more about connection, joy, and peace.
This year, may you rediscover the beauty of Christmas—a time to rest, refuel, and rejoice in the love of Christ.
Photo by Alena Evseenko : https://www.pexels.com/photo/cozy-christmas-setting-with-teddy-bear-and-wine-29668196/
Make This the Year You Thrive
This Christmas, take the time to reflect on what truly matters. Ask yourself:
What are my priorities for the holiday season?
What does my family value most?
What commitments can I let go of to make room for peace?
How can I prioritize self-care and rest?
