Christmas is more than lights, lists, and last-minute shopping. It is the celebration of our Savior – the miracle of God with us. Yet in the midst of the season’s beauty, many feel overwhelmed.
I write these words surrounded by the signs of the season— ornaments waiting to be hung, garland draped across the table, a growing shopping list tucked beside me, Christmas music filling the air. My calendar lies open, already dotted with parties, programs, and family gatherings. It’s beautiful, but it’s busy. And in the midst of it all, I find myself pausing, asking: how do I keep Christ at the center of this season?
For years, I wrestled with this tension. I would get so caught up in the lights and gifts that Christ became an aside. I fussed and fretted over every little detail, convinced that if I just did more, bought more, gave more, then Christmas would finally feel complete. Yet each Christmas Eve, I would be in tears, feeling I had failed my family. I never felt I was enough. If you’ve ever felt the same, know you’re not alone. But in those moments of striving and sorrow, God gently reminded me: Christmas is not about my performance-it is about His presence. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) became a lifeline, calling me back to rest in Him.
The heart of Christmas lies in the biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s a narrative that transcends time, culture, and geography, touching hearts across generations and continents. This story is beautifully told in the Gospels of Matthew (Matthew 1:18-25) and Luke (Luke 2:1-20).
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the season’s noise, pause here. Imagine yourself among the shepherds, hearing the angel’s song. Picture Mary cradling her child, the Savior of the world. Let this story remind you that Christmas is not about perfection—it is about presence. It is about Emmanuel, “God with us.
The Christmas season can quickly become a whirlwind of activities. From decorating and shopping to baking and attending parties, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Yet, by identifying your most important Christmas activities and prioritizing them, you can ensure that your holiday is meaningful and aligned with the celebration of Christ’s birth. I remember one December evening, sitting at my kitchen table with garland half-hung, a stack of invitations beside me, and a planner filled with scribbled notes. My heart was racing with all the things I thought I “had” to do. In that moment, I realized I was letting the season control me instead of letting Christ guide me. That was when I began asking myself: Which activities truly honor Him, and which ones simply drain me? I started making a list of all the activities that are usually part of your Christmas season-decorating my home, attending church services, baking cookies, shopping for gifts, volunteering, spending time with family and friends, and more. With each activity I asked myself: Does this activity contribute to celebrating the birth of Jesus? Does it bring joy and peace to me and my loved ones? Is it a tradition that holds significant meaning for our family? I circled the activities that resonate most with these questions. These are my important Christmas activities. And I prioritized each one mindful that it’s better to fully engage in a few meaningful activities or traditions than to rush through many. By setting priorities for the season, I was able to create a Christmas that was not only joyful and peaceful but also centered around the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ.
During the Christmas season, worship songs and carols can help us pause, breathe, and refocus on Christ. A playlist becomes more than background music—it becomes a soundtrack of praise, reminding us of the miracle of Emmanuel, “God with us.” What songs would you include in your own Christmas Worship Playlist. Are they traditional carols that center on Christ’s birth; modern worship songs that celebrate His coming; instrumental pieces for moments of reflection? Perhaps a combination of each. Keep the playlist handy—on your phone, in your car, or playing softly at home. Let it become a rhythm of worship woven into your daily life.
Family traditions are the threads that weave the fabric of our holiday celebrations, creating a tapestry filled with memories and shared experiences. Meaningful traditions that emphasize the Christian faith can bring us closer to each other and to God, reminding us of the true reason for the season – the birth of Jesus Christ. Creating memories that honor Christ’s birth is an essential part of keeping the focus on the true meaning of Christmas. These memories serve as touchstones of our faith, reminding us and our children of God’s love and the gift of His Son.
The Christmas season is meant to be joyful, yet it often becomes a whirlwind of tasks that leave us weary. Simplifying doesn’t mean losing the wonder—it means choosing what matters most: celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. I remember one year when I tried to do it all—every cookie baked, every gift perfectly wrapped, every decoration in place. By Christmas Eve, I was exhausted and too weary to enjoy the very moments I had worked so hard to create. That experience taught me something important: the perfect Christmas doesn’t exist. What matters most is not flawless execution, but Christ’s presence in our homes and hearts. Embrace Imperfection – Joyful memories matter more than perfect cookies or flawless parties.
Christmas isn’t about perfection. It’s about love, joy, peace, and the greatest gift humanity has ever received—our Savior, Jesus Christ. The lights will fade, the cookies will be eaten, and the decorations will be packed away, but the gift of Christ remains. His presence is the true treasure of the season. So, as you step into this Christmas, may you carry with you not just plans and traditions, but a heart centered on Him. May your celebrations be filled with joy, your gatherings with love, and your quiet moments with awe at the miracle of His birth.
Exerpted from “Celebrate the Savior: Finding Joy and Order in the Christmas Season” by the author, TerryAnn Porter. You can get a PDF of the full transcript at terryannporter.gumroad.com