Every year I try to do a little better at prepping for the Christmas season so that on January 1st I’m sighing in contentment instead of exhaustion and regret. Can you relate?
A squirrel has already decimated a box of Christmas cookies I left in my “outdoor fridge” so I may not be the most credible guide, but we’re in this together, so let me offer a little help and you can reciprocate by sharing your ideas in the comments!
Which one describes your state of mind? Check one:
- DENIAL. You’re in denial. You don’t want to be reminded, but the holidays are slowly tiptoeing towards us. There’s a feeling of panic when you look at the calendar. You’ll probably end up blitzing at the last possible second.
- DEPRESSED. You love Advent, but the circumstances of your life mean you may have to adjust your expectations this year and that’s depressing.
- DELIGHTED. You have been scrolling Christmas Pinterest ideas since August and you’re SO EXCITED, but not everyone is onboard with your vision for the holidays!
- DEFAULT. You are the default or designated host for ALLOFTHETHINGS, either because you have the most room, or because of your location or whatever, but you struggle not to feel resentful and like you can’t enjoy the holidays because you’re doing all the work.
- DISCOURAGED. The holidays are great, and you’d like to create some great memories, but you just feel inadequate to host anything. You get sucked into comparing yourself with others on social media and feeling “less than”.
Regardless of how you’re feeling, we can all use some help at the holidays! No one accidentally drifted into a meaningful Advent. It takes some forethought.
So today and for the next couple of days, I’ll give you some suggestions. Before we can give to others, we need to tend to our own soul.
Day One
Provide for your Soul
Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10
Note to self: It doesn’t say “be busy”, or “be productive” or “be perfect”.
Put away your phone and any other potential distractions.
- Take some time today before things get crazy to pray for Advent. Talk to God about what is on your heart.
- What are you concerned or anxious about?
- In what relationships will you need extra grace and patience?
- Are there special services at church you want to be sure to attend?
Sit and breathe in God’s sufficiency for all that is ahead of you.
Don’t panic. I’m with you.
Isaiah 41:10
There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.
I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you.
I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.
You will keep in perfect peace
Isaiah 26:3
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5
But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters,
Isaiah 43:1
I will be with you..
For to us a child is born,
Isaiah 9:6
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
I needed this today. it actually doesn’t have a lot to do with Christmas but more that everything seems broken. my body, my finances, my hopes. thankfully I know my Savior lives and His name is Emanuel “God with me”. Thank you for letting th Spirit lead your words Laura
Janet, I’m so sorry I just saw this now. Oh how I pray you had a sense of God’s companionship through Advent and that He surprised you with joy. It’s so hard. Even when you know in your head that God will hold you and has plans to work all things together for good, it can be hard to feel it in your heart. As my spiritual director says, “Breathe deep. Lean hard. God’s love holds.” Praying for you now.