An Unhurried Christmas

Moms are busy this time of year.

There’s the Christmas program at school and the holiday parties at work or church. 

There’s putting up all the decorations and making the house as festive as can be. (Honestly, with this one, it gives me an excuse to finally dust the mantel once a year.) 

There’s driving to see Christmas lights, live Nativity events, and Christmas parades (as well as any other reason for an event that we try to squeeze in). 

There’s all the shopping and trying not to go into debt. And then there’s the wrapping (oh the wrapping, how I dread the wrapping). 

There’s the class parties at school and staying up late to bake the cookies for it (or, you know, heading to Kroger and grabbing some there). 

There’s the Christmas dinner, and if she’s hosting, worrying about the presentation of the house and getting the food all set. 

Moms are busy, all year round, but especially when December comes. 

She’s trying to give her kids the perfect Christmas. 

She’s trying to create the memories that they’ll hold on to forever.

She’s trying to soak it all in while they’re young because next year, they’ll be another year older. 

She’s trying to do it all, and as such, Mama is spent. 

She. Is. Exhausted. 

And in all the hustle bustle, what is she missing most? 

The reason for the season. 

Her Savior who was laid in the manger. 

Our Prince of Peace (while she’s filled with the opposite of peace because of all the anxiety that this season brings). 

Mama, clear the calendar. 

Just do less. 

Read the Nativity story found in the Gospel of Luke with your kids. 

Make a birthday cake for Jesus. 

Snuggle up and watch a Christmas movie at home instead of running to the next event on the list. Make time for your own family with your own traditions, and say no to more of the things that just keep you busy and are not adding anything but anxiety to your December. 

Moms are busy enough as it is so say no to the other stuff, and say yes to a Christ-centered, slow Christmas. 

Unhurry your Christmas, Mama. 

And rest in His peace this Christmas.