Stress. Overwhelm. Anxiety. These shouldn’t be feelings associated with the holiday season, but for many, they are. What if it could be different? It’s time to prepare your heart for the holidays, and beyond.

Every single Christmas season I purpose to not let the stress and anxiety over take me. The pressure to find the perfect gift, make the perfect meal, or make the most memories are real. Social media tells us we need to do more, spend more, consume more. Pinterest tells us we aren’t talented enough, and our homes aren’t beautiful enough. It leaves us feeling sad, overwhelmed, and stressed. What if it didn’t have to be this way? What if we could actually enjoy the season? It may leave you asking yourself if it’s possible to enjoy it. Let’s look at how best to prepare your heart for the holidays.

“But Mary kept all of these things, and pondered them in her heart…”

One verse that has particularly stood out to me this season is Luke 2:19, “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” Mary had just given birth to the Savior of the world. A miraculous conception, a harrowing journey, and now shepherds show up explaining that a chorus of Angels singing praises to God in the field told them to make their way to an inn by following a star…Can you imagine?

Mary didn’t pick up her phone and text her mama. She didn’t whisper her complaints to Joseph, she didn’t break down in an emotional heap. She simply pondered these things in her heart. In the Greek that basically means Mary remembered all of the events that happened, and she thought on them continually. Before she uttered any words, she reflected on the events that had taken place. I’ve tried to put myself in her position. Would I have done the same? Would I have allowed the peace of God to rule in my heart, like Mary did hers?

This holiday season, it is my prayer that the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will rule in my heart, and my life. I want to keep these things and ponder them in my heart like Mary did. This season I’ve decided I will follow the following guidelines I am sharing below.

Choose Less

Less spending, less committing, less doing. Recognize that this very busy season doesn’t have to be very busy. Often times we are so busy cookie baking, decorating, and busing kids around that we forget to celebrate our Savior. Choose to do less, choose to spend less, choose to commit less. When you choose less this holiday season remember you aren’t neglecting the holiday, but rather choosing to focus on that real meaning for this season. Jesus!

Turn off the Noise

The tv, the tablet, the phone…turn it off. Make it a habit this season to read scripture together as a family…no tech distractions allowed. Spend a little extra time in the mornings writing Scripture out. Read, and reread the account of the Saviors birth with no distractions. Turning off the noise helps prepare our hearts to receive what the Scripture has for us. Maybe make it a goal to consume less media this month. I believe the peace it brings will be worth it. If you find yourself restless and looking to fill the void that limiting media has left, I encourage you to pick your bible and do some extra reading. You can also take a look at this list I’ve made here for some fun ideas to do as a family.

20 Screen Free Activities for Kids!

15 Simple Things To Do Besides Watching TV

Reflect on God’s Goodness

What a better time of year than to count your blessing! Gratitude truly changes everything. Simply make a list of all of the blessings God has given you. Think back on how He provided for you and your family physically, spiritually, financially. Write those blessings down so you can look back and remind yourself of them this season.

Meditate on Scipture

Spend some time each and every day reading verses that foretell, describe and celebrate the birth of Jesus! Here’s my favorite plan to start on December 1st: Christmas Bible Reading Plan – The Life of Jesus. I mentioned it earlier but writing Scripture is a particularly good way to reflect on verses. Keep these verses in your heart and mind as you go about your day.

I want to leave you with a list of Scriptures that focus on the joy that Jesus gives. That’s the joy I want in my heart this holiday season, and beyond. Truly there is great joy to be found in Jesus.

Verses to help prepare your heart for the holidays

“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:10 & 11
“This is the day which the Lord hath made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10 & 11
“These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

FREE Preparing Your Heart and Home for the Holidays E-book

I created this e-book for myself, and then thought it’d be fun to share it with you, too. It has a small gratitude list area for you to jot down the things you’re thankful for, a few pages to write down any verses that stand out to you, and my favorite Christmas reading plan guide. It also includes a section on preparing your home with gift lists, menu planning, and a to-do list. (we’ll talk more about preparing our home next week.)

Preparing-your Download

I hope this helps you prepare your heart for the holidays, and beyond. I look forward to sharing how we can prepare our homes next week!