Three Things that Simplified our Christmas Season, and Why I’m Thankful I did Them
As the Christmas season approached, I found myself yearning for a more peaceful and meaningful celebration. In the past, the holidays often felt like a whirlwind of activities, leaving me exhausted rather than refreshed. This year, I decided to implement three simple changes that transformed our Christmas experience, and I’m profoundly thankful for the peace they brought.
1. Not Doing All the Things
In previous years, our calendar was filled to the brim with holiday parties, events, and outings. While each activity was enjoyable, collectively, they became overwhelming. This year, we made a conscious decision to limit our holiday engagements. We chose to decline some invitations and instead embraced the simplicity of staying home. Evenings were spent watching cherished Christmas movies in the comfort of our living room, instead of going to the theater. On drives home after sundown, we took delight in observing the festive lights adorning our neighbors’ homes, appreciating what was outside our car windows without the need for a dedicated outing to hunt for lights. This intentional simplification allowed us to savor the season without the stress of a packed schedule.
2. Choosing a Single Christmas Album
Music has always been integral to my holiday experience, but the endless playlists often felt chaotic. I would often hunt on my phone for a song or playlist, and it made it so much less enjoyable. This year, I selected one album to serve as the soundtrack for our Christmas season: Phil Wickham’s “Hallelujah! It’s Christmas.” Whether driving, exercising, or baking cookies, this album played in the background, infusing our days with a consistent and gospel-centered songs. The familiar tunes became a source of comfort and joy, grounding us in the message of the season and creating a harmonious backdrop to our daily activities. Plus, I loved hearing my girls catch onto them.
3. Eating Freezer Meals
Holiday meals often come with the expectation of grandeur, leading to hours spent in the kitchen and increased stress (this is pressure I put on myself! No one else does!). This year, I shifted my approach by planning just one festive meal each week (some of my favorite recipes are listed here and here). I shopped specifically for those ingredients, alongside our usual staples like oatmeal, sandwich bread, and milk. For our other meals, we relied on a stash of freezer-friendly dishes prepared in advance. This strategy not only saved time and reduced expenses but also alleviated the pressure to constantly produce elaborate meals. Our evenings became more relaxed, allowing us to focus on meaningful conversations and activities rather than meal preparation.
Implementing these three changes brought greater calm and intentionality to our Christmas season. By not overcommitting, curating our holiday soundtrack, and simplifying our meals, we created space to reflect on the true essence of Christmas. I’m grateful for the peace these decisions ushered into our home and look forward to carrying these practices into future holiday seasons.
