5 Ways to Make the Holidays Less Hectic and More Meaningful
Hope.
A small but exquisite word. One that changes lives.
As I walked into the store I couldn’t miss it. Four shiny letters that, on that particular day, stopped me mid-step.
I couldn’t avoid it nor deny it. I’d let the Holiday overwhelm diminish my hope.
Hope is what pushes us one step to the other. It moves us into tomorrow despite the uncertainties of today.
Obviously the sales and marketing industry understood the power behind those four letters. After all, they had it splashed across much of the holiday décor.
I understood it, too. Yet in that moment, as I stared at those four bright letters, I knew my soul wasn’t feeling the hope of the quickly approaching holiday season.
That day, the feeling of overwhelm far surpassed all other feelings. It was overwhelm that perched front and center.
The overwhelm that comes from long to-do lists and too little time in which to do them.
Where had I gone wrong? When had I let overwhelm replace my hope?
When did I forget the miracle that took place that dark and lonely night?
When did I forget the miracle of that long ago Christmas night? #holidayoverwhelm #hectic #Christmas #hope @iBelieve Click To TweetSomething tells me she had set all expectations aside long ago. How it was “supposed to happen” no longer mattered. Her purpose was paramount. It was to safely bring Hope into their dark and hurting world.
More than 2000 years ago, humble and in a manger, our Savior was born. Hope was born.And even though the times are different and the world changed, one thing remains.
Christ was born that night to give hope where there is darkness. Hope where there is uncertainty. Hope to the hurting and to the lost.
Just as it was Mary’s purpose so long ago, it is still our purpose today.
In that moment, as I stood staring at hope, I knew I wanted it different. I didn’t want to snap at my family because overwhelm filled my soul. And I didn’t want to attend the next party with heavy feet and exhaustion written across my face.
Friends, if you find yourself nodding your head in agreement as you read my words. If the holiday overwhelm is beginning to suck up all your joy and hope, then follow me over to iBelieve where I am honored to share the rest of this post, including 5 ways I have found make the holidays less hectic and more meaningful.
I don't want to grumble with overwhelm...5 Ways to Make the Holidays less Hectic and More Meaningful @ibelieve Click To Tweet
I am sure you are right about Mary not worrying about a to-do list. I have never thought of that before! Heading over to iBelieve! Thanks!
The time period was most definitely different, but I have to venture to think every woman had some kind of to-do list, whether it was written or just a mental list! I’m thankful for your visit today, Marielle!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
I love your tips. Especially the first one . . . make a list then slash it! It’s all about grace isn’t it. Taking that beautiful grace our Father gives us and wrapping it close. I love your graphic! Beautiful!!
It’s funny, as I watched a sweet young girl in our life plan her wedding guest list, I thought of this! They started at about 150 and got it down to about 90! And the wedding was fabulous! So, it made my writing wheels spin! lol! Thanks so much, Deb, for your kindness and encouragement!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Really good and practical tips! Happy to be your neighbor at Lyli’s this week!
Thanks so much, Elizabeth! Thanks for stopping by!
HI Lori-Love the tips! I shared some similar thoughts in a preholiday wellness series and we think alike! I love integrating scripture into our days with the family and also incorporating down time into the to do list! Thanks for great reminders as I attend more to my joy this season!
Hi Jill,
It’s so fun when we find another post that resonates with one we have written! Praying your joy is full this season! Thanks so much for joining me here today!
Lori, it seems we are all in need of the same thing each and every holiday season…less stress. Your tips are perfect! As I anticipate my son arriving in 2 weeks from China, I have a new appreciation for “anticipating” and it is really centering me on to release the clutter of Christmas and focus on the beauty of Advent. Thanks for adding to this centering:)
I’m praying for that sweet reunion with your son this Christmas! I can’t even imagine the excitement and your Mama heart about to explode!