To say December has a lot going on is an understatement — especially for moms who are the keepers and creators of family memories and special moments.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and busyness, and then suddenly Christmas is over. And what do you have to show for it? Other than stress and anxiety.
So how does one exit the crazy train and make sure you’re staying connected to the reason for this season?
It’s not easy, and it takes effort. I’ll share a few things that help me — and I am not perfect. Generally, at least once in December, I lose the love of Jesus. For real. Just ask my family. I’m not proud of it when it hits, but this is me being real. It happens. It used to be more often, but now it’s about once a season when I hit my max.
A few years ago, a blogger I’ve followed for years shared that she does a Christmas devotional every December. So I started doing that too. I ordered the one she recommended. Normally, I also get the Christmas ladies devotional from LifeWay — I trust that one. It’s five days a week, so you get a little space. It centers me and keeps me focused on Jesus’ birth being hope fulfilled, and His return being hope fulfilled.
I also put reminders in my home — in the places I see most often. I love the Christmas Emily Lex watercolor notecards. I keep one set beside our coffee maker and a different Christmas set by my work computer. Just pretty little cards with Christmas Bible verses.
I get Emily Lex’s weekly emails on Fridays, and she always includes a phone wallpaper. Each Friday, I change mine for the week. It’s just another small way to surround myself with scripture.
This year, a dear friend gifted me an Advent calendar, and it sits in my kitchen right beside the napkins — so I see it often throughout the day.
After Thanksgiving, our church gave a new family Advent devotional to all families, and it’s wonderful! Since we have family dinners every night, we’ll read it after dinner when we’re home. We’ve missed a few days eating out, but it’s a start — and something new for us. Next season, we’ll tweak it so we’re doing it each day as a family.
From the Porch 🍃
Small things — but they stack up. And they help remind me, wherever I am in the house, that Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas. I don’t want to forget that. And for me, it takes work to keep it front and center.