A few years ago I found myself sitting in the hair salon reading a magazine during the holiday season. As a mom of young kids, this was a rare moment of coveted uninterrupted pampering. An article on the rush of the Christmas season caught my eye. The author, instead of wishing her readers a “Merry Christmas”, wished them a “reasonably sane” Christmas.

Isn’t this what we secretly hope for, a less stressful holiday than last year? How can the holidays be MERRY when we entertain critical relatives around our table, experience financial strain, rush around to concerts and parties, cook elaborate meals, and bake dozens of cookies? Even in 2020, in the midst of the Covid pandemic, it can be hard to keep the MERRY in front of Christmas.

It seems that we need a fresh approach to the holiday season. Late one evening in college, a friend of mine decided to close her books and go to bed the night before her final. Her study group sat stunned as they watched her depart for bed while they planned to pull an all-nighter. How could she do this? She turned around and replied,” C+ works.” And she was off to bed.

 MY HOLIDAY CHECKLIST:

What if we apply this concept to our Christmas preparations? I have to ask myself why I am stressed out doing things that really don’t matter. My list includes:

1. Get out Christmas dishes
2. Decorate the whole house with lots of decorations
3. Decorate the outside of the house
4. Make cookies
5. Send Christmas cards
6. Go to kids’ concerts, plays, recitals
7. Host a party
8. Go to the cookie exchange
9. Host relatives overnight
10. Deliver fresh-baked goodies to teachers

Obviously, some items can’t be removed from the list, but many can. What if I don’t use the Christmas dishes this year? What if I don’t send cards? What if we simplify our decorations? What if I bought a pie? What if C+ works?

 HOW TO SIMPLIFY CHRISTMAS:

What is on your list? What can be eliminated or modified? What can you do to reduce the stress on activities that really don’t matter?

1. Make a list of all the Christmas tasks and chores you currently do.
2. Ask yourself “Why am I doing all of this? What don’t I enjoy?”
3. Create a “Don’t Do” list. It will feel good to eliminate them from the TO DO!
4. Instead of decorating the mantle, door, table, and tree, pick one. (Presumably, that is the tree. Although one year we moved in December and didn’t get a tree. Remember, C+ works!)
5. Allow the kids to hang ornaments low, who cares if it doesn’t look like a magazine.
6. If you like to send a card, consider sending it in January.
7. If you like hosting parties, consider hosting one in January when people need something fun to do.
8. Enjoy a simplified celebration.

*Covid 19 gives many of us an opportunity to simplify. Perhaps this is the gateway to a new kind of celebration.

We have found joy in simplicity. We have more margin to linger for a few more minutes at the table to light the advent candle and read a Scripture. The outside of our house may not look too festive, but we have time to prepare our hearts for the true celebration of Christmas morning.

The whole reason we celebrate Christmas is to remember that God sent his Son into the world to free us from sin and to offer us a full, satisfying, abundant life. We completely miss the point if we live frantic frazzled lives leading up to the big day.

Our month of December points to a babe born in a manger bringing peace and joy to the world. May we carve out room to contemplate the perfection of his wonderful gift. Do what you can, and remember, C+ works!