What would make this a successful Christmas season?

Avoiding the blur and seven themes to pray about

I remember years ago, my life coach turned friend Diana Kerr (hi Diana!) did a class on Christmas. Even for a goal-setter like myself, it seemed funny at first to be so intentional with the season, but how many times do we catch ourselves on Christmas Eve taking our first breath as we plop down for the candlelight service? I know I'm not the only one, so today, we're going to start Advent by asking God:

What would make this a successful Christmas season?

I think we can look to the obvious answer, reflecting on Jesus' birth and what that means for our lives. But I hope you do that regularly. And I hope that that will be the base for the season.

But is there anything else God has for you specifically for the year 2024? Maybe after a hard year, a busy year, or your best year yet?

I'm gonna share several different ideas that you can pray about and see what shakes out. Maybe you read a verse that brings one of these to life. Maybe a friend shares a word that hits home. Or maybe you keep your eyes open and see the opportunities that come your way.

Whatever we do, we aren't just falling haphazardly into another rushed season of stuff, gluttony, and chaos.

Minimal & Sweet

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”

Is this the year you simplify and pull back? I remember one of Vivi's first Christmas. We had no ornaments on the trees, just lights. And it was actually beautiful and not in a depressing we-didn't-finish-the-tree sort of way. We also had no presents. We literally put puffs in her stocking. That was it. If finances are tight or there's been a lot going on, this might be the year to simplify. Again, not in a depressing way, but intentionally decided to instead of constantly stressing every time another expense comes up.

Expectant & Hopeful

"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"

This is me this year. I want to walk around, my eyes fully open to what God is doing all around me. I want to live expectant and hopeful even on days that have me grappling with all the negative feelings. I'm excited for what's possible when I'm fully surrendered to God.

Celebratory & Full

“Rocking Around the Christmas Tree”

This one is almost like an outward expression of Expectant and Hopeful. You're social and ready to be with the people. You'll say yes, maybe more than you have in the past, and bring a little more flexibility to the season.

Faithful & Strong

"O Come, All Ye Faithful"

It's not lost on me that many people feel the sting of grief this year. I remember the first Christmas after losing Tyler's dad; it was my first time understanding how anyone can hate the season. I was just ready for Christmas to be over. You know something is missing. And I think it's ok just to plod along faithfully, expressing, "This is hard. I'm not happy, but I know God is still God." Forget the tinsel and tunes. Give God whatever seemingly small gifts you have, but never stop going to Him.

Generous & Kind

"The Little Drummer Boy"

You might be in a season where your crew desperately needs to put their eyes and hearts on someone else. Maybe the air of entitlement is growing a little thick or the lack of thank you's is beginning to wear. This could be the year you buy gifts for the family in town who has nothing (Ask your church if you can't find one!). Or you take time to write thoughtful notes to grandparents and loved ones. You could bless someone in the shopping line. You can leave snacks for the delivery drivers.

Connected & Engaged

"Wonderful Christmastime"

You're tired of the small talk at every holiday party and ready to connect with others. When else do we have so many opportunities to gather together! Maybe you break out the questions over a dinner party table. Or invite the friend over to wrap presents together and hear about their latest trials. Maybe you commit to seeing the relatives you've lost touch with and always think about when it's too late to plan to get together. Success might look like having conversations that bring you laughter, vulnerability, or empathy for someone else.

Create & Preserve

"The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)”

If this year has been chaotic, you might be looking to get back to some traditions to create a sense of normalcy, or you may be in a season to start new ones. We've been talking about getting a fake tree. Let me tell you how rattled the girls have been by it. They love going to get hot chocolate, listening to Christmas music, going to the tree lot, picking up takeout, and decorating the tree while we watch a movie. We got a real one this year because, honestly, I feel like I need a new solid tradition with a fake tree (like going to Grant's Farm for a visit or putting the tree up early!).

Almost 15 years ago, when I was fresh off creating wedding mood boards for my wedding planning clients, I decided each Christmas season needed a theme. Welcome to 2010 and 2011.

It still makes me giggle to think how I really saw myself coming up with a new theme every year. The stuff I've learned, doesn't matter nearly as much as the heart. I'm excited to think intentionally about what God has for us in this season. But I'm excited to practice what I preached for years, too:

Plan for the marriage more than you plan for the wedding.

This opportunity to pray and ask God to direct us this season isn't just about a meaningful season but just another way we train ourselves to keep going to God IN EVERYTHING.

So this week, let's ask God:

1. How do the past 1, 3, or 12 months shape what we need most this season?

2. What doesn't need to influence our "theme" that normally does? (i.e., appearances, outside opinions, etc.)

3. What would make this a successful Christmas season?

COMMENT: I’d LOVE to hear which one you land on or if something totally different comes to mind!