December is officially here, and suddenly we are surrounded by twinkling lights, pine-scented trees, giant inflatables, and oodles of Christmas cheer. It’s a season meant to bring joy, but it often becomes a whirlwind of obligations, expectations, and exhaustion.
I’ve been there. Hyped up to plan the Christmas party, get everyone the best gifts ever, and make Christmas morning really special for loved ones. And then the late nights and last-minute shopping trips hit me. And there’s that Christmas song I’ve been trying to write. And now I’m not sure about the gift I got for my mother-in-law, and I have to return an order because I realized I got the wrong thing. There’s also the Christmas school play and Christmas concert and Christmas Eve service and…and that beautiful Christmas bubble pops. The pressure to do it all – and do it perfectly – can be overwhelming. That joy can start slipping through our fingers, giving way to panic and chaos.
But what if we did it different this year?
When Hustle Drowns Out Holy
I understand the hustle, I really do. Christmas is special, and we want to keep that feeling alive and well. For others. But what about making it special for ourselves? It’s so easy to get lost in the holiday rush: the events, the shopping, and the comparison to others. But that’s not what Christmas is really about. The chaos of the holiday season can leave us unwrapping gifts like anxiety, burnout, and feeling disconnected from God and our loved ones. And when we feel drained, it shows. One of the best gifts we can not only give ourselves, but to our loved ones, is for us to join in the Christmas fun, fully present and alive. Enjoying it. Making memories. Savoring each moment. That’s easier to do when we’re centered on what really matters – Christ.
Re-Centering: Joy as a Spiritual Practice
Joy is not something we can manufacture. Try as we might to make the holidays sparkle, the only way to make them joyful is to be joyful. To receive Lord’s joy into our hearts and guard it carefully and mindfully. Philippians 4:4 tells us to rejoice always in the Lord. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, not a product of performance. Let go of those impossibly high standards and let God work this holiday season. Joy often grows in the simple, quiet, intentional moments. No need to overdo it.
Practical Ways to Choose Joy Over Hustle
If you’re looking to slow down and choose joy over hustle this holiday season, here are some ways to do it:
Slow Spiritual Moments
- Morning prayer or gratitude journal.
- A short daily prayer of surrender.
- Sitting with God for some quiet time before beginning the day.
Simplify Your Commitments
- Choose what actually matters and let go of the rest.
- Practice saying “no” with love.
- Protect your margins: Schedule rest like it’s a non-negotiable.
Create Joyful Rhythms
- Cozy evenings with intentional activity (check out these ideas for December family fun).
- Nightly walks for some fresh air.
- Play your favorite Christmas tunes and let yourself breathe.
Slow Down the Gift-Giving
- Choose heartfelt gives over big-ticket items.
- Gift meaning items or experiences.
- Make space for reflection on gifts rather than just rushing to buy something.
Embrace Presence Over Perfection
- Let your house look lived in.
- Release the urge to create a “picture-perfect” holiday.
- Focus on moments that make memories.
When Joy Feels Hard
It’s ok if this season brings heaviness for you. If choosing joy feels extra hard, take a deep breath. Let those feelings wash over you. Maybe its loneliness or grief. Overwhelm or fatigue. Christmas doesn’t have to look or feel a certain way. And joy doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes it’s nothing more than a tiny spark. But we must protect that spark and feed it; fan it into an eventual flame that burns brighter and brighter until it chases away the darkness. God sees your troubles; He sees you. He will walk with you even if your Christmas feels dim.
Closing Thoughts: Make this Holiday Intentional
If you take one thought with you, make it this one: joy is found in intentionality, not intensity. Slow down and enjoy moments of peace, presence and reflection this holiday season. Make it more special by being fully present; your genuine joy will be a gift that gives back to everyone around you. Your friends and family don’t need your hustle; they need your heart. Choose joy over hustle this holiday season.
