Hi friends,
It’s almost Christmas and I can’t wait! Advent begins the first Sunday of December and ends on Christmas. It is the time when Christians prepare for the coming of Jesus. We remember the promises God made to His people and see how He fulfilled those promises through the birth of Jesus.
Advent reminds us of the hope, peace, joy, and love brought into this world through Christ. These are often symbolized throughout the four weeks with five candles (three purple, one pink, and one white) on an Advent wreath. The white candle in the center of the wreath is lit on Christmas to represent Christ’s presence. Although the weeks leading up to Christmas are often hectic, we are reminded in Advent to slow down and reconnect with God.
I love getting in the Christmas spirit and spending time with friends and family with a cup of hot cocoa in hand. However, it’s not always that easy. There are a lot of reasons why it can be hard to get into the Christmas spirit. Maybe you’ve lost a loved one in the past year and just can’t bring yourself to celebrate. Sometimes even just living far away from a certain friend or family member can dampen your Christmas spirit. Whatever is weighing on your heart this season, I encourage you to find ways to remember the hope Jesus brings in this season and always.
Getting ready for Christmas doesn’t have to be extravagant.
When I was younger, Christmas was exciting because of the presents, Christmas pageants and parades. As I grew older, I still had an excitement for Christmas, but I often felt empty on Christmas day. I knew Jesus should be the center of this season, but I did not know how to turn to Him in this busy time. Here are a few ideas for how you can get in the spirit of the season while celebrating Jesus’ birth in whatever way feels best to you this year. Remember above all to be kind to yourself. If you need to ditch the Christmas parties for a few nights in with a Christmas movie then go for it! Do what is best for you and your heart this season.
1. Read an Advent devotional or follow a Bible reading plan this season. My favorite is “The Greatest Gift” by Ann Voskamp. I wish I could buy a copy of this devotional for everyone. It provides daily scripture, a short story and commentary on the scripture, then questions for reflection. Last year during Advent I read the devotional and journaled every night with my Christmas lights on. Sometimes the smallest things are exactly what we need to slow down during this busy season.
2. Spend some time this season reading the Christmas story in the Bible. It’s a well-known story, but God is amazing at speaking to us in new ways through Scripture.
When I was in Catholic school I was told to pray and reflect on Jesus’ death on Good Friday from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. because that is the time He hung on the cross. It is a meaningful way to remind yourself of the suffering Jesus endured for us. This practice can be applied to Christmas, too! I have loved taking some time on Christmas Eve night or early Christmas morning to reread the story of Jesus’ birth in the Gospels. This story is for all of us. It’s the greatest love story about an all-powerful loving god who needs nothing from us, and yet, gave everything for us.
Questions to consider while reading: Emmanuel means “God with us.” Jesus is the Emmanuel, God on Earth. What does that mean to you? What does this tell us about God? What does this tell us about what God thinks of us?
Advent is the perfect time to realign your heart with the Lord and bring yourself back to that beautiful state of joy and wonder in this season.
3. Watch a Christmas movie by yourself. Turn on some twinkly lights, make yourself a cup of sleepytime tea, maybe diffuse lavender essential oil, and you have a perfect night in! There are so many sweet Hallmark and Netflix Christmas movies. If you want company, host a movie night! My family and I will watch whatever Christmas movie is on the Hallmark Channel and guess the plot as quickly as possible. We point out the obvious “villains” and the good guy who will save the day. As cheesy and predictable as these Christmas movies often are, they remind me of childlike joy and wonder during the Christmas season. Advent is the perfect time to realign your heart with the Lord and bring yourself back to that beautiful state of joy and wonder in this season.
Favorites: Elf, A Christmas Prince (Netflix), Love Actually, any Hallmark movie.
4.Turn on Christmas music as you are getting ready for the day. Getting ready for Christmas doesn’t have to be extravagant. Sometimes putting on a little Christmas music on my walk to class is the perfect thing to remind me to be present and joyful in this season. I love Christmas music, especially in October through December! The classic Christmas hymns remind me of cozy churches at Christmastime. Really reflect on the words in some of these songs. Joy to the World, O Come All Ye Faithful, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, are some of my favorites. It’s easy to tune out the classic Christmas songs we’ve heard over and over, but if you take a minute to listen to the lyrics they are a great reminder of the excitement and joy of this season.
Maybe even pick a few of these beautiful hymns and go caroling with friends! Who are some people who helped you this year? Or, who could use a sweet Christmas surprise? Go caroling at those peoples’ houses. No need to sing perfectly, just offer a song of the season as a sign of thanks and encouragement!
Favorites: Campfire Christmas by Rend Collective, Songs of Christmas by Sufjan Stevens
This season is all about getting closer to Jesus and serving and loving His people is the perfect way to do that.
5. Make Christmas ornaments by yourself or with friends! You can make snowflakes and paper cutouts, cinnamon ornaments (google for an easy recipe), or paint the classic glass ornament. My favorite is to use small pieces of colored tissue paper and Mod Podge to attach them onto the glass ornaments. It creates a beautiful, but simple stained glass look!
When I was babysitting one December weekend in high school, the kids asked me to help them make paper snowflakes. We sat on the floor of their living room watching Sleeping Beauty and cutting up tons of paper. They were in awe of the beautiful patterns the snowflakes made once I finished cutting. We hung up them all over their house, then had a dance party to Christmas music. We had an amazing time with just paper, scissors, and Christmas music. We can capture their joy and excitement for the season just by spending quality time with friends and family and enjoying a cozy night in.
6. Volunteer or do a few random acts of kindness this month. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of the season, but there is so much joy in helping others! It’s easy to stay focused on our own problems, to-do list, and exams and papers. Doing something kind for others is a great way to bring the focus off our own stressors and serve others. This season is all about getting closer to Jesus and serving and loving His people is the perfect way to do that.
Favorites: anonymously pay for the person behind you in the drive thru, leave cookies for your mailman (just include a note that it’s for him), catch up with a friendship you’ve been neglecting, send notes of encouragement and thanks to family and friends throughout the month.
7. Host a small Christmas party. Invite a few friends over to decorate sugar cookies and make paper snowflakes. Tell your friends to byom (bring your own mug) for hot chocolate or hot cider. Play Christmas music during the festivities and share your favorite Christmas traditions. At the end of the night you’ll have yummy treats and snowflake decorations!
I hope that this is a season of joy and love for you, whatever way that looks for you this year. Don’t be afraid to reach out to some new people, too! No one should be lonely this season.
What are some ways you get ready for Christmas? What are you looking forward to in this Advent season?
Peace and blessings,
Shaina
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