Choosing Rest Over Celebration: How I Reclaim Peace During the Holiday Season

 

 

Peace, blessings, and love family. As the world rushes to deck the halls, exchange gifts, and prepare for the “new year, new me” frenzy, I’ve chosen a different path—one of rest, reflection, and intentional living. As an Child of of the Most High, I don’t celebrate pagan holidays like Christmas and New Year’s, and instead of being swept up in the holiday chaos, I take this time to focus on what truly matters: my spiritual and mental well-being.

In this post, I’ll share a brief insight into the origins of these holidays and offer practical ways to embrace rest and self-care during a season that often feels overwhelming.

 

The Origins of Christmas and New Year’s: A Quick Insight

The holiday season is filled with traditions that many people follow without questioning their origins. Here’s a brief look at where these holidays come from:

 

Christmas

While Christmas is widely celebrated as the birth of Christ, historical evidence shows that December 25th was chosen to align with pagan winter solstice festivals, particularly Saturnalia, a Roman celebration honoring the god Saturn. Traditions like decorating trees and exchanging gifts have roots in pagan rituals, not biblical teachings.

 

New Year’s Day

The modern New Year’s celebration on January 1st traces back to ancient Rome, where it was dedicated to Janus, the god of beginnings and transitions. The Gregorian calendar’s New Year does not align with biblical or agricultural cycles, which often marked the true beginnings of a year.

Understanding these origins has led me to step away from these celebrations and focus on practices that align with my beliefs.

 

Why I Choose to Hibernate During the Holidays

This season is often marketed as a time of joy, but for many, it’s a time of stress, overspending, and burnout. By choosing rest, I protect my peace and set the tone for a truly intentional year ahead. Here’s how I approach this time of year:

• Spiritual Alignment: Instead of holiday festivities, I use this time to draw closer to God. Whether it’s through prayer, reading scripture, or meditating on His promises, I align my heart with what truly matters.

• Unplugging from Consumerism: The holiday season is filled with sales pitches urging us to buy more, do more, and be more. I’ve found freedom in opting out. By saying no to holiday spending, I can focus on experiences and connections that enrich my life.

• Embracing Rest and Reflection: The end of the calendar year doesn’t have to mean rushing to check off resolutions. I use this time to reflect on the past year, celebrate personal growth, and plan for the future at my own pace.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or seeking a different approach to the holiday season, here are 5 tips to help you reclaim your peace:

• 1. Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no to holiday parties or traditions that drain you. Protect your time and energy by only committing to what feels right for you.

• Create a Restful Routine: Turn your home into a sanctuary by embracing cozy mornings, journaling, and moments of stillness. Light a candle, sip tea, and let yourself slow down.

• Focus on Nourishment: Instead of indulging in heavy holiday meals, focus on nourishing your body with foods that energize you. Warm soups, herbal teas, and fresh produce can be grounding and comforting.

• Reflect on Your Year: Use this time for honest reflection. What went well this year? What did you learn? What do you want to carry into the next season of your life?

• Plan with Intention, Not Pressure: The “new year, new me” mentality can be overwhelming. Instead of setting unrealistic goals, focus on meaningful intentions that align with your values and purpose.

My message to you, whether or not you celebrate the holidays, remember that you are not obligated to participate in traditions that no longer align with your values. You have the power to create your own rhythm and reclaim this season as a time of rest, reflection, and intentionality. 

 

I encourage you to take a step back, focus on what truly matters, and enter the next season of your life refreshed and renewed.

5 Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress as a Moms

 

 

 

5 Ways Mothers Can Reduce Holiday Stress

As the holiday season continues and we are entering into a new year sometimes this can also bring about stress and overwhelm, especially for mothers. Balancing the spiritual significance of the season with the demands of festivities requires intentional effort. Here are five practical strategies to help mothers navigate the holidays with a sense of peace and joy.

1. Prioritize Your Relationship with God:

In the midst of holiday preparations, it's crucial to carve out time for the Lord. Engage in reading the word of God, prayer, or attend church services to reconnect with the true meaning of Christmas. By placing faith at the forefront, the season becomes a time of reflection and gratitude rather than a hectic race. {Please know that we are aware that Jesus was not born on December 25th}.

2. Simplify Your Traditions:

Review family traditions and consider simplifying or modifying them to align with your values. Focus on activities that bring genuine joy and meaning, steering away from the pressure to conform to societal expectations. Remember we are not to conform to this world but be transformed by the renewal of our minds. By streamlining traditions, you create space for more meaningful moments.

3. Delegate and Seek Help:

You don't have to do it all alone. Embrace in community and ask for help when needed. Delegate tasks such as cooking, decorating, or shopping to family members, friends, or your church community. Shared responsibilities not only alleviate the burden but also foster a sense of togetherness.

4. Set Realistic Expectations:

One of the significant sources of holiday stress is the pursuit of perfection. Whew, it took me years to free myself from this. Set realistic expectations for yourself and your family. Understand that imperfections are part of the joy of the season. It's perfectly okay to say no to certain commitments to preserve your peace and focus on what truly matters.

5. Schedule "Me Time" and Rest:

Among the hustle and bustle, prioritize self-care. Schedule time for yourself to recharge and indulge in activities that bring personal joy and relaxation. Ensure you get enough rest, maintain a healthy sleep schedule, and remember that taking care of yourself enables you to better care for others, especially your children.

This holiday season, let's shift our focus from chaos to peace. By embracing these strategies, Mothers can create a more meaningful and enjoyable experience for their families. Remember, it's not about perfection but about cherishing the moments that truly matter with family!

As you navigate this holiday season, we invite you to share your own tips and experiences in finding peace among the festivities. Join our community and connect with other Christian mothers on the journey to a more meaningful and joyful holiday season. Together, let's celebrate the true spirit of Christmas. Click here to join our community now.