Stop The Chaos: 8 Ways To Enjoy The Holidays–and Your Family

Colder weather. Beautiful lights. Peppermint mochas. Bowl games. And Christmas! Yes, it’s that time of year again.

For many, it’s wonderful! For others, not so much. Let’s be honest, the holidays—uh um, the chaos—can bring out the best—and the worst—in each of us.

Christi and I talk about the holidays each year ahead of time. We pray and think through how we can make the most of it as a family. Having little kiddos makes it a bit more chaotic for us, but it makes it a lot more precious too.

This Christmas, consider these eight ideas for making your holiday season more enjoyable.

E.N.J.O.Y.I.N.G the Holidays

Eliminate the Chaos. Despite what everybody else is doing, choose to simplify your life this holiday season. If shopping is a major stressor for you, do it online this year. We personally use Amazon Prime for free shipping, no crowds, less headaches, and more meaningful family time together.

Don’t waste your time standing in long lines trying to wrangle your kids to behave when everything in you feels like misbehaving yourself.

And if you’re looking for a great deal, wait until after Christmas to do some of your shopping. There’s no better way to save time and money than by putting your family first before Christmas, and shopping after it. You don’t have to follow the status quo.   

NO! The most successful people in life have learned the art of saying “no.” Set family boundaries this year by not packing your schedule full of holiday events, or worse yet, events you’re in charge of.

Depending on the relational condition of your family, there may be functions this year you need to say no to. If there are alcoholic or verbally and emotionally abusive people in your family, it may do you—and your kids—well to avoid them. 

Juggle your Relationships Ahead of Time. If you foresee potential conflict with family members during upcoming holiday functions, and are still choosing to go, be proactive to engage those family members ahead of time. Call or visit them. Find out what is going on in their lives. Build trust with your family in advance so it’s less awkward when everybody is together.

Only Expect What’s Given. The greatest predictor of future behavior is past behavior. If you and your Dad have a rocky past and have not spoken in six months, don’t expect all wounds to be healed on Christmas morning. Also, if your family is in turmoil, don’t expect to be the “fixer” over the holidays. Unmet expectations lead to the biggest disappointments. Set realistic expectations and you won’t be let down.

You. Take time for you this Christmas. Carve out moments each day to pray, meditate, and soak in the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the season. If you’re not connecting with Jesus, it’s hard to celebrate his birth in a meaningful way. Be creative with this time and combine it with exercise, reading, or a hot bath. You can’t give to your family from an empty tank. 

If you have little kids like us, choose to spend less money this year on others and find a sitter for a few holiday date nights in the month of December. Go to a Christmas parade. Drink peppermint mochas. And by all means don’t feel guilty for spending the money on yourself. As young parents, you sacrifice all year long and deserve the memories.

Invite Others to Help You. If you’re the primary cook, host, or family coordinator of holiday festivities, invite your spouse, kids, extended family, or friends to help you pick up items at the grocery store, decorate, and even cook. Delegate responsibilities to your children and help them learn new skills. If cooking is too much, consider a potluck this year. This is a great opportunity to turn mundane and stressful tasks into life-giving family memories.

Nightly Family Devotions. There is no better time to bring your immediate family together to learn about Jesus than the Christmas season. We started, just this year, an advent family experience called the 25 Characters of the Christmas story. Leading up to Christmas day, we’re looking at the character traits and life lessons of these characters to instill in our children. To join us and nearly 2,000 families journeying together through these characters, sign up here. The activities alone are worth it. Oh yeah, and it’s free!

Give Back. There is no better season to give of your time and money than during the holidays. Some of our greatest Christmas memories are giving to and visiting families in need. Volunteering at your local homeless shelters, singing carols at nursing homes, or helping neighbors you know can be more joyful for you than those you are blessing.

And one final thought: Start traditions in your family you want your kids to pass onto their own. For there’s no better way—or season—to teach our kids to love God and love others than to model it for them now.  

Here’s to E.N.J.O.Y.I.N.G. your holiday season!

Do you have ways you enjoy the Christmas season? Share the with us!