Preparing for The Christmas Holidays: Grace Filled Holidays

Hey Mama! The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes that familiar pressure to make everything picture-perfect. Between finding the right gifts, decorating the house, planning family gatherings, and keeping everyone’s spirits up, Christmas can sometimes feel like a marathon that leaves us feeling more exhausted than joyful. If you’ve ever found yourself overwhelmed by this, you’re definitely not alone!

Let’s take a moment together to breathe and remember that Christmas isn’t about perfection. It’s about celebrating a miraculous moment—God’s gift of Jesus, born into a humble manger, with no fancy decorations, coordinated colors, or Pinterest-worthy setup in sight. When we look at Christmas through this lens, we’re reminded that the season isn’t about how things look but about how we experience them and who we’re spending them with.

Embracing Simplicity

It’s okay if your holiday doesn’t look like a magazine spread or a Hallmark movie. Jesus didn’t come in grand style—He came in the simplest way, into a world that wasn’t ready or dressed up for Him. Christmas reminds us that God works beautifully in simplicity and humility. So, if this season looks a little messy or less “perfect,” that’s okay. Real life is often beautifully imperfect.

When we embrace simplicity, we’re able to slow down and actually enjoy the moment. Instead of stressing over the “to-dos” and “must-haves,” let’s focus on being present. Christmas is about connection—with God, with our families, and with our communities. Sometimes, letting go of one or two things on our list opens up space for spontaneous, heartwarming moments with our kids or quiet reflection for ourselves.

Try This: Pick one holiday task you’re okay with simplifying or even letting go of entirely. Maybe it’s cutting back on the number of decorations, opting for store-bought treats instead of homemade ones, or skipping an event that feels like too much. Use that extra time to create a simple, meaningful moment with your family.

Shifting the Focus from “Perfect” to “Peaceful”

As moms, we often feel like the “keepers of the home.” We want to create a space where everyone feels special, loved, and welcomed. But the truth is, your family doesn’t need everything to be perfect; they need you to be peaceful and present. The beauty of a grace-filled holiday season is that it gives us permission to prioritize peace over perfection.

When we focus on peace, we’re creating an environment where our children can experience the true joy of Christmas—knowing they’re loved and valued just as they are. Instead of worrying about everything being just right, let’s pour our energy into creating warmth, laughter, and joy in our homes.

Scripture to Reflect On: “But the Lord said to her, ‘My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her’” (Luke 10:41-42, NLT).

Jesus’ words to Martha remind us that being present with Him—and with our families—is the best gift we can give. Martha was worried about the details, just like we often are, but Jesus gently reminded her that her presence was more important than the perfect meal or spotless home. This Christmas, let’s choose to be like Mary and treasure the time with our loved ones instead of letting details steal our peace.

Choosing Grace Over Guilt

If you’re like many moms, the holiday season can bring up feelings of guilt. Maybe you’re worried that you’re not doing “enough” or that the Christmas magic isn’t what you’d hoped. But remember, God didn’t send Jesus to a world that was prepared or perfect; He sent Him to a world in need of love, grace, and redemption. When we accept His grace, we can extend that same grace to ourselves.

Your worth as a mom isn’t measured by how perfect the tree looks or how well-planned the holiday festivities are. God delights in your heart and your desire to show His love to your family. If something doesn’t go as planned, give yourself grace. Even if things aren’t picture-perfect, your presence, love, and peace will shine brighter than any holiday lights.

Encouragement: If things feel a bit out of control, take a deep breath and remember that your best is enough. Let’s take this season as an opportunity to practice letting go of perfection and embracing God’s love for us, just as we are.

Finding Small Moments of Rest

Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year, but it’s also a season that invites us to rest in God’s love. With all the busyness, rest might sound impossible, but even small moments can make a difference. Take a few minutes each day to center yourself, whether it’s through a short prayer, a worship song, or just a quiet moment with a cup of tea. These moments can bring a surprising amount of peace and perspective.

Rest is about reconnecting with God and allowing Him to refresh us. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to carry the weight of the season on our own. God is with us, ready to fill us with His peace, strength, and love.

Scripture for Peace: “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Jesus calls us to come to Him with our weariness, promising rest for our souls. Let’s carry this promise with us through the season.

Wrapping It Up: A Grace-Filled Season

This Christmas, let’s give ourselves and our families the gift of a grace-filled season. One where peace takes priority over perfection, where we find joy in the simple things, and where we make space for God’s presence. Your family will remember the love and warmth you brought into the home far more than they’ll remember how perfectly everything was arranged.

So, Mama, let’s invite grace into our homes this season. Let’s let go of the perfection, embrace the joy of simplicity, and celebrate the peace and love that Jesus brings. May your holiday be filled with all the things that truly matter—a heart of gratitude, a spirit of peace, and the beautiful, grace-filled love of Christ.