Maybe like Cindy-Lou Who, you’ve found yourself singing the all too familiar tune of, “Where Are You Christmas?” As everyone is decking the halls and trimming the tree, you seem lost in the unknown, unable to embrace the spirit of Christmas.
Oh, how I can sympathize. I truly get those feelings. When my oldest turned 12, I vividly remember her telling me she missed the excitement and anticipation Christmas had when she was younger.
As much as I wanted to bring that magic back for her, I knew it had morphed into something new. She was changing, and henceforth it changed me. Poof! Just like that, it felt like all the Christmas spirit was gone, in a simple declaration.
Maybe the spirit of “Christmas past” is leaving you a little sappy and sentimental as your kids are all grown.
Maybe “Christmas present” has you walking through a season of challenging changes, causing you to stumble into the holidays with little hope.
Maybe the daunting and looming spirit of “Christmas future” is bringing on waves of sorrow and grief as you are unsure how to navigate this season without a loved one.
Friend, can I tell you a secret? A secret my grandmother once told me when I tearfully confessed that I knew the truth about Santa. She held my hands, looked me in the eyes, and said, “Christmas is what you make of it.”
At the time, I didn’t quite understand the meaning behind those precious (and purposeful) words, but I dare say she is absolutely right!
While some years seem more difficult than others, we still have the choice to make it as magical, restful, and meaningful as we’d like to.
So, when you just aren’t “feeling it” how do you prepare your heart for Christmas? Well, being that I have been there a time or two myself, truly relating to Cindy-Lou Who, and currently wrestling with Christmas past at the moment, I’ve had to tap into some pretty creative ways to take back Christmas and make it once again magical and meaningful.
1. Reflect on God’s Blessings
As the year draws to a close, it’s only natural to take inventory and stock of the events, celebrations, and milestones that took place.
So, with that in mind, what can you truly be grateful for, causing you to rejoice and delight in the Lord? Need something to jog your memory, take a moment to scroll through all those pictures on your phone. Yep, there it is!
Last year came with some rather harsh realities for our family as we celebrated the holidays without my precious momma. Even still, it also brought forth so many beautiful blessings, too. My husband and I celebrated 20 years of marriage. Woo-hoo!
Being that it was a monumental anniversary, we had hoped for a nice vacation, but grief has a way of rearranging our plans at times.
Yet, as I scrolled through the pictures I was reminded of the small (and often seemingly insignificant) blessings that were tucked within that day. I saw smiles. I saw joy. I saw love.
Friend, when we shift our focus and posture our heart for gratitude, it draws us closer to the real meaning this precious season has to offer us. Most importantly it allows us to be thankful for the ones we love, and most importantly the precious gift of our Savior!
For to us a child is born, 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 (Isaiah 9:6).
2. Dig into a Christmas Devotional
Whether you read the Christmas story as a family in the Gospel of Luke or you do an Advent calendar together, there is something sweet and precious about a time you get to slip away, get quiet, and just savor God’s presence — alone (Psalm 46:10).
We can often get caught in the hustle and bustle, tending to all the activities, baking all the goodies, hosting all the events, and making sure our children are soaking in the true meaning of Christmas, that we fail to allow God to touch our own hearts.
One way that may help align your heart to His is by reading a Christmas devotional. The beauty of digging into a devotional this time of year is that it reveals beautiful truths that can speak solely to your heart.
Last year I did the devotional, Surviving the Holidays While Grieving by Janet K. Johnson. I cannot begin to tell you how much hope and healing derived from that book.
Here are some other titles you may want to check out:
Jesus is Calling for Christmas by Sarah Young
God’s Blessing of Christmas by Billy Graham
Simply Christmas: A Busy Mom’s Guide to Reclaiming Peace by Tama Fortner
The Gifts of Christmas by Sheila Walsh
The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas by Ann Voskamp
3. Simplify the Schedule
It’s easy to get bogged down and feel rather overwhelmed just by glancing at the December calendar. So, this year, before that even happens, be intentional and try to be mindful of what you pencil into those precious December days.
Basically, ask yourself two questions before you say “yes” to a holiday event.
- Will this bring joy to my family and me, allowing us to savor the season?
- Is this event the best to do for the season of life that I am currently in?
Friend, let me be clear here, it is okay to say “no.” Some seasons of our lives are marked by trauma, grief, or pain, so hosting an event or attending a certain activity may agitate certain emotions causing a ripple effect of consequences.
However, on the flip side, if you are feeling the excitement whelp up from inside and you are bursting at the seams just ready to play “hostess with the mostest,” then embrace that role, go with it, and enjoy it — wholeheartedly!
The truth of the matter is there will be years of “yes” and years of “no,” but we must be able to recognize what we can do (and emotionally handle), so when we do participate, it brings joy to everyone (Matthew 5:27).
4. Be a Cheerful Giver
Who doesn’t love a cheerful giver? I must admit gift-giving is not my love language and while I honestly try, many times, my gifts tend to be a bit of a flop.
My sister on the other hand is the best gift-giver I know! She goes out of her way to make everything so special, and I deeply admire her for that!
While some people just have the knack for giving gifts, we can all still be cheerful gift-givers! 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 tells us that everyone should give from the heart and that God loves a cheerful giver. In other words, God blesses those who give generously with a positive and loving attitude.
Gifts don’t have to be tangible either. Many times, they come in the form of time, financial blessings, service, or volunteering. Seek God for wisdom and ask Him to reveal ways you can be a blessing to others through the blessings He has bestowed upon you.
Three things to consider before giving with a cheerful heart:
- Be personal. Think about who you are giving to and invite God to reveal how to truly bless them.
- Be intentional. As you prepare a gift, seek to understand their needs, and bless from that angel.
- Be thankful. In knowing that all our gifts come from the Father, be thankful for the precious gifts He has given to you to be able to share with others.
5. Have the Heart of a Child
Every year we drive around our neighborhood and look at lights. We pack up a thermos of cocoa, roll the windows down, blare Christmas tunes, and enjoy all the glowing lights and beautiful sights.
It’s this annual tradition and simply sweet pleasure that allows me to tap into my inner child. Gazing at my sweet hubby who is usually driving around with his award-winning smile tells me that he experiences it too. The magical side of Christmas appears for both of us in that moment.
God tells us to come to Him with the heart of a child (Matthew 18:2-3). Yet, we have those glaringly obvious responsibilities that come with parenting and “adulting” that can make life seem drab and not so fun!
But, as we prepare our hearts for this season of Christmas, I invite you to watch your children (or grandchildren) with a new set of eyes. See their sense of wonder, their growing anticipation, the excitement that comes from a visit of the neighbor with baked goods. Then experience it with them!
Being children of God and relishing in the true meaning of what this season means for us, we have the distinct honor of bringing our child-like hearts to God.
Through prayers and supplication, we can allow God to soften our hearts, erasing any doubt, fear, questions, or concerns, and just be present.
Let your heart be open and receive the beauty and splendor this time of year brings. Invite the elements of purity and peace to wash over you in the form of wholesome and child-like activities.
Cultivate a heart of joy by making time for fun and loads of laughter. Start preparing now as we head into this simply sweet season!
My Prayer for You
Faithful Father, we thank You for this precious time of year and the greatest love and gift You gave us through Your Son, Jesus. As we prepare our hearts for this blessed time of year, help us reflect on Your rich goodness and faithfulness.
Grant us the ability to be intentional with our time and soak in the wonders of Your love with a fresh perspective. You are such a good Father to us, and we are grateful and humbled to be called Your children. We love you! Amen.
For further reading:
3 Ways to Keep Jesus at the Center of Your Christmas This Year
How Do We Inwardly Prepare for Christmas?
5 Craft Ideas to Try This Christmas
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Drazen Zigic
