Writer Jenny Sanders invites readers to push back against the tide of “Happy Holidays” and “Season’s Greetings” by reclaiming a Christmas centred on Christ. Her reflections offer simple, practical ways for us to keep Jesus at the heart of the season without pressure or perfectionism.
Tired of ‘Happy Holidays’ yet? Fed up with ‘Winter Celebrations’? Completely over ‘Seasons Greetings’? If you’re suffering from festive fatigue, you’re probably not alone. Advent is a special time but running around preparing can leave us wrung out before we hit Christmas Day. If things are feeling chaotic already, here are some tips which I’ve found can help keep Jesus central.
1. ‘Plan and prepare’ - Not the smug tagline of those who’ve been Christmas-ready since August, these words are our friends. I’ve found that last minute decisions and activities lead to tension for everyone, contributing to over-excitement and over-tiredness, and over-spend. Clear-headed planning and lists help avoid those pitfalls.
READ MORE: Slowing down for a Jesus-shaped December
2. Avoid tit-for-tat receiving/giving - Establishing boundaries keeps us sane and safe and avoids distraction. Be it Christmas cards, gifts or electronic greetings, trying to reciprocate with everyone piles on stress, bringing me neither comfort nor joy.
Whatever our expectations for December 25th, my experience is that reality never quite matches the glossy TV ads or special edition magazines.
3. Perfection is out of reach - Every Christmas movie ever is based around some form of this concept with good reason. Whatever our expectations for December 25th, my experience is that reality never quite matches the glossy TV ads or special edition magazines. Lingering on unrealistic, unattainable images feeds my discontent but choosing to enjoy my imperfect version without self-flagellating tweaks my focus and is still satisfying.
4. Advent calendars – Opening a door each day helps me pause and remember that Advent is grounded in the coming of Jesus rather than the munching of chocolate (although that’s always a bonus!).
READ MORE: From brokenness to beauty: My 60th year and the Christmas wreath that still speaks of God’s love
5. Anthologies – the variety of Christmas-themed literature and devotionals available are legion - I love reading these each year. Some are well-thumbed, others newer to me, but they all serve to draw me back to the nativity and the anticipation of the coming Saviour.
6. Nativity set – this is easily the simplest way to keep Jesus visually at the centre of celebrations - If you don’t have one, I recommend that you purchase one. Personally, I prefer one with relatable figures rather than those who wear dinner plate-sized haloes. If you have time and patience, make one with your children. We loved our fabric one with it’s increasingly wonky stable. Whichever style you choose, I almost guarantee it will become part of your family tradition and a coveted heirloom. Displaying it prominently is a helpful reminder of the reason for December’s frenetic activity.
READ MORE: Posada: Celebrating the nativity journey
7. ‘Elf on the Shelf’ or ‘Star from Afar’? I find the former rather creepy. However, having the wise men follow a star round the house, coming ever closer to the stable until 25th is an appealing idea. Perhaps it will work for your family, although not if it’s just another job.
8. Jesse Tree – I only came across these a couple of years ago. They’re a great visual illustration exploring the genealogy of Jesus through Bible characters. Families read the appropriate Bible passage, hang a representative ornament on their Jesse Tree and so gradually represent the wonderful story arc of salvation. I wish I’d known about this when our children were growing up.
9. Music and movies – Taking time to stop and watch a film together slows things down and helps build family memories. Lyrics of background music can filter through busyness, reminding us of ancient truths. I play them from 1st December. Parents are gatekeepers for what comes through screens and speakers as well as through our door, so choose wisely.
Seasonal services often reference Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah.
10. Explaining Christmas words – Seasonal services often reference Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah. Searching out the meaning of Jesus’ prophetic names helps bring relevance to readings. Similarly, traditional carols use old-fashioned language which is rich, profound and beautiful, but to sing them with understanding may require explanations.
11. Pray – if we say grace before meals, why not before presents? It’s the same principle. Rather than a paper-ripping jamboree, we always give space to remember that Jesus is the best gift, and express our gratitude for his coming before we start unwrapping.
Jesus is not only ‘the reason for the season’, he’s the turning point of history. Without him we’re spiritually dead, lost, in darkness. In the midst of our celebrations, let’s be sure to share light, peace, joy, hope, and purpose as we share the Saviour and shake off the trimmings.
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