Savoring the Season

When you think of the phrase “the Christmas holiday,” what comes to mind? If you’re like me, it’s a lot of things! 

I think of lights, Christmas trees, wreaths, and the other beautiful decorations that fill this season.  

I think of the real reason behind our celebration and try to stop and thank God for the greatest gift of all – his Love, which He expressed through the sacrificial gift of His Son Jesus.  

I think of gifts … who I need to buy for, what each individual likes, how I hope to bring joy through these expressions of love. 

I think of BUSY – there is soooo much going on this time of year! From finishing our fall school responsibilities (with dad, mom, and all seven kids in various graduate school, college, high school, middle school, and elementary programs!!), hosting gatherings, attending various parties and events, Christmas programs, holiday events … the list seems endless some days. 

But it is also my favorite time of the year when I take the time to slow down and savor the season.  

So here are some of my favorite tips for enjoying the coming month! 

• Have specific objectives. As the holiday season begins, consider what would make it “successful.” Set specific goals, then write out what would be necessary to accomplish them. What are your personal goals? Family goals? Financial goals? Spiritual goals? As the New Year rolls over, you can look back and determine how close you came to meeting your objectives and can consider how you can set yourself up for greater success in the future.
• Be intentional about your time! Of all of the primary resources (time, energy, and money), time is the one of which we are all given an equal amount. Remember that you do not have to say yes to every “good” activity or invitation … chose those which are best for your family and will allow breathing room for rest and reflection.
• Be intentional about your finances! So often the holidays cause significant financial pressure. We have gifts for teachers, “Secret Santa” gift exchanges, parties, presents for extended family, the cost of Christmas cards and stamps, and more, all of which come before we even consider gifts for those closest to us. Planning for Christmas all year long (with a strategy such as a sinking fund) is helpful, but what do you do if you have not done so and now it is nearly December? Do not let pressure over gifts cause you to go into debt! Strategize for how to give gifts that fall into the frugal category (homemade gifts, gifts of your time, low-cost experience gifts, etc). Do not try to “keep up with the Joneses” with what you give your children or others. Focus on utilizing the resources you do have to the best of your ability.
• Create an Advent tradition! Our family has a few we enjoy. We have a specific Christmas tree that is our “Jesse Tree.” Each of the five younger kids has their own set of ornaments (I hope they all will someday, but for now we have five sets!) and we follow Dean Lambert’s book. We had a very special tradition with one of our previous homeschool communities where we made the ornaments; each family made 25 of one ornament based on their day of the Advent book, and then the moms had a celebration together where we exchanged ornaments so you went home with one of each (an entirely unique 25-piece set – one such set is pictured below!). You can make your own or purchase them on Etsy or Amazon – just make sure they match the book you are using as there are some variations. We also enjoy reading books together such as Jotham’s Journey! Another simple advent tradition is to read one chapter from the Gospel of Luke each day; you will finish on Christmas Eve!
• Find ways to serve others! One of the fastest ways to help your children remember the true meaning of Christmas is to find ways to serve those who are suffering or in need during this season. Serve at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen, visit a nursing home to go caroling, take food to friends and neighbors, shovel snow for an elderly friend, write letters or cards, stop by to visit an older church member, provide free babysitting, or find other ways to serve your community!
• Encourage your children to focus on giving rather than receiving. Similar to the previous suggestion, involve the kids in focusing on giving. Encourage them to help pick presents for other people, include them in wrapping the gifts, and invite them to write letters or cards to the recipients. When it comes to their own presents, in our home we do not like to make Christmas lists as it seems to foster an “I want …” mentality. When asked, we have the kids provide a “things I appreciate” list that is intended to be a generic help for friends or family who would like gift suggestions. Rather than seeking a specific present, the list is intended to provide ideas (such as “soft things like blankets,” “anything pink,” “dinosaurs,” “anything Star Wars related,” etc).
• Consider choosing experience gifts over “stuff”. The more children you have, the more “stuff” you accumulate! Several years ago, we transitioned to a place where most of the gifts we give our kids are experience-related (sometimes big things like a ski trip or a trial of music lessons, other times a family game or a devotional book to do together; the gifts might also include equipment needed to engage in the activities). The key to experience gifts is remembering to follow through!
• Focus on “being” rather than “doing”. Slow down and enjoy time with those you love. Make memories that you can cherish for a lifetime. Focus on the joy and gratitude that is foundational to the true meaning of Christmas. Spend time playing games, making treats, crafting, or doing other activities together. Be intentional. Be joyful. Be together.
• Extend the Christmas Celebration! Over the last three to four years, our family has developed a “12 Days of Christmas” tradition that we have come to treasure! Rather than Christmas being a “one and done” holiday where 24 days build up to one big crazy day, we have 12 Days of planned activities that fall into three activities – family activities, serving others, and gifts or traditions. A family activity might be a movie night, going out for Chik-fil-A peppermint milkshakes, or driving around to see Christmas lights. Serving others might be serving at a homeless shelter, caroling, or taking treats to our neighbors. Gifts or traditions may include Christmas Eve PJs, opening stockings, or attending a Christmas program. Some are half-day or more events; others require 15-30 minutes. We generally plan the days out in advance but also hold the schedule loosely so we can be flexible as needed. Frequently we start on December 20-21 and end on December 31-Janaury 1.
• Continue the momentum! Don’t let Christmas be the only time you focus on giving, serving others, or slowing down to savor time together. Continue those habits as you head into the New Year. Foster the mindset that sings, “Jesus and Others and You – what a wonderful way to spell JOY … put yourself last and have Joy”!

What would you add to this list as tips for Savoring the Season? What traditions does your family have that help you celebrate the true meaning of Christmas?