Today I want to give some practical ways to find joy in this Christmas season when you are feeling overwhelmed. I have recently been acknowledging when I am overwhelmed by stopping in my tracks and saying out loud, “I AM OVERWHELMED.” I do this more times than I would like to admit, but saying it aloud has helped me so much. The verbal confession makes me stop and give it to God. Many times I am overwhelmed because my own expectations weren’t being met, I was carrying a grumpy attitude, or I was only focusing on things that were going wrong. I hope these ideas I share can help you with your “I AM OVERWHELMED” moments.
Simplify Your Expectations
Let Go of Perfection
Accept that Christmas doesn’t have to look like a Pinterest board. Focus on enjoying the moments rather than creating a flawless holiday. The first Christas was far from perfect to the human eye. Giving birth in a manger? That sounds like a nightmare. Be more like Mary and Joseph, be faithful, not perfect.
Focus on What Matters Most
Ask yourself, “What do I truly want to experience this Christmas?” You only have so much time, so much energy, and so much money. Don’t spend any of those precious resources on things that don’t matter to you. You can not do things, it’s allowed.
Rediscover the Magic
Watch a Favorite Holiday Movie
Cozy up with a classic Christmas movie to spark nostalgia and joy. Blow up some air mattresses in the living room. The kids will LOVE this, it will be a memory they remember. And it took no money or brain power to accomplish.
Listen to Uplifting Christmas Music
Create a playlist of songs that make you feel happy and relaxed. If Christmas is overwhelming you, maybe try an instrumental playlist, a little less in your face.
Take a Drive to See Christmas Lights
Take a detour next time you drive at night through a neighborhood that has lots of lights to look at. Talk about which lights everyone loves. Keep it simple. You don’t need an elaborate map to follow.
Create Meaningful Moments
Start a Gratitude Tradition
Reflect on what you’re thankful for this season, maybe even jot them down. When we forget to be thankful, we become overwhelmed with discontentment and start comparing our lives to others.
Focus on Giving, Not Just Gifts
Volunteer, donate, or create small acts of kindness with your family to spread the spirit of giving.
Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones
Simplify plans to focus on the people who matter most. Being around family and friends that feel like family, you don’t have to put on a facade. You can be your genuine self and just be. It is good for the soul.
Practice Self-Care
Carve Out Quiet Time
Give yourself permission to take breaks, schedule these times even. Maybe it’s waking up early to a quiet house or taking a bubble bath once the kids are asleep.
Take Care of Your Body
Drink your water, get your sleep, eat some healthy foods, and find ways to move your body.
Get Outside
Spending time in nature, even briefly, can refresh your mind and lift your mood. Bundle up and get some fresh air!
Embrace Imperfection
Laugh Off the Chaos
Find humor in the little mishaps—laugh at yourself and your crazy life. Never forget, we all have moments that don’t go to plan. You are never alone.
Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledge and appreciate even the tiniest joys, like everyone getting in the car somewhere without making a big fuss. Celebrating small wins is similar to expressing gratitude. When you don’t celebrate the small wins, you will find yourself always feeling disappointed in your life.
Reconnect with the Spirit of Christmas
Read Christmas Stories
If you are a mom of younger kids, read the Christmas books. Or if you are a reader, find a holiday themed book to dive into.
Focus on the birth of Jesus
If you are feeling overwhelmed or like you have lost your Christmas joy- chances are you have not put the first thing first. JESUS is why we celebrate. Jesus is not asking you to decorate a certain way, He doesn’t require you to buy him gifts, He doesn’t put stress on you to make pretty cookies. Jesus wants your heart. He wants you to leave all that stuff at his feet. He wants to meet you where you are. He wants to give you peace in a chaotic world. He wants you to remember all the things He has done for you, to be grateful for it.
We all know the holiday season is magical, but also for many, the hardest time of year mentally. You never know what others are going through on the inside. Make sure you make time to connect with people you interact with. Keep Jesus at the top of your celebration to-do. When you do that, it will all seem to fall into place.
These are great reminders! Jesus first is
Always the best advice! Love you!