How to Avoid Holiday Overwhelm in December

 

     The most wonderful time of the year is here at last, and in 2020, it's what everyone needs. While the striking of the clock on January 1, 2021, will not even marginally change our situation, we are all longing for it.

     I know I am eagerly awaiting the new year—but about the same as usual—since New Year's Day is my favorite, despite it being one of the most underrated holidays. I've even claimed that it's better than Christmas.

     With the holidays (Hannakuh, Christmas, New Year's Eve/Day, etc.), we ideally find ourselves turning to the comforts of home and family, a beautiful theme that has already emerged amid 2020's more grateful persons.

     Leading up to these holidays, much preparation and hoopla can lead to exhaustion or rest, snippiness or closeness with family, and ultimately, a distracted or focused heart going into the new year.

     In my last post, I mentioned how quickly my priorities can become out of whack. Essentially, I realized that my social life was the top priority for me, which was leading to burnout at work and glibness with my family.

     So keeping all this in mind: the new year, our priorities of family and rest, and the goal of a focused and peaceful heart, here are three ways to avoid holiday overwhelm in December:

1. Remember the mantra "Less is more."

     While baking five dozen cookies the night of a cookie exchange may sound like fun, it could quickly fizzle into a stressful situation without the simple idea of "less is more." Fewer cookies will not equal less fun; whether you bake dozens or one dozen, you will still have the experience. And baking alongside friends or family may be what makes it truly special rather than the output of sugary treats.

     Less is more when it comes to gifts too. While gifts are not my love language, you amazing gift-givers out there know to keep the spirit of the gifts simple. Stick to what you know the other person will love. They may only get one gift, but it will be less hassle, within your budget, and an item that they will truly love and enjoy. If you're like me, you may find a wishlist from friends and family helps you to narrow down the endless possibilities.

2. Be quick (and eager!) to serve.

     Remembering Jesus's whole reason for coming to earth: not to be served but to serve (Matt. 20:28), look for ways to help someone else. You don't have to add "food bank service project" to your calendar to be seeking out ways to serve those around you. Start small with your family, your church, and other places where you already give back.

     Be eager to serve and joyful as you do it, for the Lord "loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9:7). This may look like finishing a fundraiser you started years ago. It may be stacking chairs with a good attitude. It may be taking your youth group girls on an adventure to get shaved ice. It may be washing the dishes after a meal. All of these start with looking out for others' needs and then choosing to get into the action and meet those needs.

3. Take time to reflect.

     If we pause long enough to consider our priorities over the holidays (i.e. the traditions the whole family actually wants to continue), we'll find that many things do not need to happen as much as we thought that they did. Advent calendars, gingerbread houses, and Christmas pjs can all be good and celebratory things, but each person and family needs to remember that they have a choice. What if you skipped the search for the perfect Christmas pjs to spend more time lingering over your family's beloved fireside chats? What if you didn't stress about following an Advent calendar every day in December and just enjoyed Christmas Eve gingerbread houses instead?

     Reflecting on those family values can also lead you to personal introspection. Consider over the month of December what prayers God answered in 2020, what significant moments changed you forever, and what you hope to remember going into 2021. Humanity is so prone to forgetfulness; do not lose all the good that has come out of this wild ride in 2020.

     Take time to reflect and write. If you think you cannot take the time, make the time. You will not regret it.

~Madeline

P.S. That's it for today! I'll be back in a few days to discuss my personal 2021 goals and to announce my new word of the year.