I love the entire holiday season. November 1 is my official start date for holiday prep. But I refuse to put up any Christmas décor, play any Christmas music or entertain much about Christmas until the day after Thanksgiving. Well, I did cheat a little this year by getting my fall pictures done early and using them for my Holiday cards.
I refuse to just jump into Christmas because retailers start decking the aisles. I actually get annoyed when holiday decorations appear in September. Really? Quit rushing me and trying to get in my pockets! Admittedly, it’s easy to get caught up in ‘spirit’ of Christmas and miss the heart of it at the same time. I do take it as a sign that I need to pull out my Holiday Planner.
Ensuring it really is the Best Christmas
I celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas AND New Year’s Day with a lot of Jesus. I like pretty things and presents, but He’s my real joy. Be careful not to get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas and forget the reason we celebrate: the birth of our eternal hope.
The world has commercialized Christmas to death. I’m all about the tinsel and glitter, but I would be remiss to ignore the Christ of Christmas in all my holiday planning, baking, gift-giving and party going. As we plan this holiday season, keep the main thing the main thing. I’m not asking you to become a secluded monk or enter seminary here. I’m simply saying don’t go look at the lights before you reflect on THE Light. Understood?
Practical ways Plan Christmas with Jesus in mind.
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- Take time to read the bible passages about the birth of Christ. ( Luke 2:1-20)
- Read scriptures anticipating Christmas Day. Here are my favorites from the Bible.org reading plans. You can download the app on your phone or tablet to read the plans.
- Incorporate a Nativity scene in your holiday décor
- Switch out your Elf on the Shelf for the Shepard on the Search or Little Lamb from Bethlehem
- Start a devotional plan
- Give gifts that glorify God and remind people of the gift he is to us.
- Use Christ-themed gift-wrapping paper
- Visit the sick and shut-in
- Donate to your local church and/or Christian charity
- Volunteer at a local charity to demonstrate Christ’s love to others
- Spend time with the lonely widow or elderly
- Journal a few sentences every day in December about what His coming actually means
Download Your Free Planner
Getting in Planning Mode
Be intentional with your holiday planning and get in gear now. Tag along with me for the next few weeks as we plan for the Holiday Season. It will be pretty Christmas heavy, but I won’t leave out Thanksgiving or New Year's Day. PLUS There’s a bonus holiday in there that you’ve been forgetting to celebrate for years. December 9, is my birthday and YOU MUST mark that on your calendar!
Want More Christmas Planning Tips? Check out these articles.
How to Earn Cash for Christmas
Stress Less this Christmas plus Free Holiday Planning Printables
Setting a Stunning, Simple Holiday Table
Holiday Gift Guide for the Beginner DIYer
PLAN and be intentional with Celebrating Jesus. Doing so will help you have the best Christmas ever!
What are some of the ways you tackle the craziness of the holidays and maintain your focus?
P. S. Not feeling in the mood for Christmas? Check out these tips!
Here's a Pin for your Christmas Pinterest Board.
Hannah Brown says
This is great! Can’t wait for the rest of the series! 🙂
Kenyatta Harris says
Hi Hanna, I’m glad you enjoyed it. A few of the other posts are up. If you click on Holidays in the menu you’ll see them all! Thanks for stopping by.
Angela says
Wonderful ideas to help reflect the joy of the true meaning of Christmas. It really is too easy to get caught up in the commercialism.
Elizabeth says
I love this! I also LOVE Advent time and it’s such a great time to just dwell on Jesus. I’m planning on doing a devotional about the names of Christ leading up to Christmas. You make a really good point about reaching out to the lonely and shut-in.
Kenyatta Harris says
Hi Elizabeth. I’m really excited about the advent time this year. My son and I are going to do two special things. I’ll tell you about them soon!
Kristin Cook says
I love putting up a nativity set around Christmas time. We have two- one from my hubby’s childhood, and one from mine. I also think the Sheppard on a Search is really cute!
Kenyatta Harris says
I can’t wait to set up my Nativity area. I’ve got a new idea I’m toying with this year.