Five Ways to Slow Down and Savor the Season
Transforming Truth
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:2
I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels like the retail rush into the Christmas holiday hits earlier and earlier each year. In my town, Christmas displays are up everywhere by September in some stores! As much as I look forward to this time of year, I don’t like being ambushed by the commercial frenzy. I want to savor the season, spend meaningful time with my family, and share gifts from the heart—no matter how good those Black Friday deals are.
Do you find it almost impossible to avoid the rush through the holidays when there are so many distractions to contend with?
Growing up, my mother tried to steer our wide-eyed attention away from big-box toy stores and the long lines at the picturesque Santa photo booths in the malls. It was difficult for me to understand her frustration at the time. After all, I knew the “reason for the season,” but what’s not to love about opening beautifully wrapped, bow-topped packages under a festively decorated Christmas tree to discover all of your favorite things were now in your possession?
Of course, that was then: pre-internet, pre-social media, pre-smart phones, pre-Amazon, and, well, you know the rest. It’s harder than ever to keep our eyes on what really matters and why we’re celebrating in the first place. As my spirit has matured in motherhood, I now feel the tension that caused my mother such distress back then.
Savoring the season requires an intentional shift away from the culture and toward the true gift we desire to celebrate.
Here are five strategies that have helped me slow down and keep my family’s focus on the reason for the season:
1) Plan—but don’t overload the calendar.
The best way to avoid feeling rushed and reactive is to plan ahead; however, don’t feel pressure to include every party and holiday activity in your family’s plans. I put the non-negotiables on the calendar first: special performances, family visits (or planned travel), and our favorite family Christmas traditions. I also create open time blocks for unscheduled activities that are just as important to our family.
2) Make a budget—and stick to it.
Take the financial stress out of the holidays now by creating a realistic budget, and don’t forget to include expenses related to hosting, baking, thank-you gifts, and travel. Rather than being disappointed by budget limitations, be creative and resourceful about how you can be a blessing to others with your hospitality and skills you may be able to share. It’s also critical for parents to remember that children are watching you. What are you teaching them about the meaning of Christmas through your spending and approach to gift-giving?
3) Involve your children—even the little ones.
3) Involve your children—even the little ones.There’s no reason to get bogged down with baking and gift-making all by yourself. I remember the first Christmas my husband decided to decorate sugar cookies with our then-toddler daughters. The perfectionist in me didn’t want to give away those smudged, over-sprinkled cookies, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Since then, we’ve made baking Christmas treats for our neighbors, a family tradition that the girls look forward to every year.
4) Be still—devote time to spiritual reflection daily.
When my daughters were young, we started a family tradition of putting together a “Jesse Tree” and reading from an Advent devotional every day leading up to Christmas. Whatever tradition you may choose, make time to slow down as a family and spend time in God’s Word, reflecting on the message of the Gospel and the reasons we celebrate. But don’t get too caught up with another “to-do” item. Remember to BE STILL and keep your focus on Him, no matter what you do.
5) Give—and share the greatest gift.
It’s not just a message for a Christmas card: The most significant gift we have received and that we celebrate at Christmas is the gift of our Savior, Jesus. What can you and your family do to give from the heart during the holidays? How can you be the hands and feet of Jesus? How can you share the gift that has changed your life forever?
Pray that the Holy Spirit leads your family this year to slow down and savor the season. Pray for guidance in giving and sharing the gospel. Slow down and share—and let God use your family to make an eternal difference in someone else’s life.
Nighttime Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I couldn’t be more grateful for the greatest gift we have ever received: Your Son, Jesus, the promised Messiah and my Savior. This Christmas season, help me turn my attention away from the rush and distractions of our culture and focus on what’s most important. Help me slow down, let go of unrealistic expectations, and dwell in Your peace and presence. Guide my giving, my words, and my actions so that I can reflect the hope and joy of the gospel. I pray that you would use my family to love others well and point them to the blessed hope we have in You.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Questions for Reflection:
- How do you create space to slow down during the holiday season?
- What are some of your family’s favorite traditions?
- What do you do to keep your family focused on the reason for the season?
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Join the Conversation:
Have you struggled to slow down and focus on what’s meaningful during a busy holiday season? Share your reflections in the comments below.
*This devotional was published on Crossmap.com as part of the Daybreak Devotions series.
