Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. It is a time where families come together, traditions are kept, and treats are baked galore. The amount of decorations and gifts are at an all-time high. But if we aren’t careful, it can be easy to get lost in the expectations this season holds without truly celebrating Christ and His birth.
Several years ago, my husband and I accidentally stumbled upon the minimalist lifestyle. I say accidentally because we never intended or planned on living that way. But as we were preparing to downsize from a two-story house to a 750 square foot apartment, we realized that we simply had too many things. There were several boxes in our garage full of things that hadn’t been touched in years. We took up three full size closets between the two of us! And that’s when we started to make a change. As we started to get rid of things, we realized just how relieving it was to be free of all that clutter. We realized that less truly is more. And we realized that we were able to shift our focus to things that really mattered. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21
We didn’t incorporate this lifestyle into the Christmas season immediately. But over the last several years, we have slowly made the effort to focus less on the demands that can come with this busy time of year and more on simply keeping it about Jesus. Do we still decorate? Yes! Do we still participate in the gift exchanges and festivities? Absolutely. We love Christmas through and through. But it is possible to take a minimal approach to this season. In fact, we have found that we are actually able to enjoy the season more thoroughly and keep Christ the focus when the distractions are fewer. A clutter-free Christmas allows for a more Christ-focused Christmas and shouldn’t that be the goal each year? A Christmas focused on Christ is the best Christmas of all! It might seem daunting or overwhelming at first, so I have listed 3 practical ways you can start having a clutter-free, Christ-focused Christmas this year!
1. Learn to say no.
The Christmas season is no doubt the busiest holiday season, even in 2020! There are activities, parties, church events, shopping dates, and gift wrapping sessions. And that is only to name a few! But in order to slow down and really focus on the reason for the season (HIM!), we must learn to say no to some things. A cluttered schedule causes anxiousness and brings frustration. Decide early on that you will choose the things most important and allow time for rest. Learn to say no to some things so you can say yes to others. And watch how a less-cluttered calendar allows more time for a Christ-centered season.
2. Release the grip of unrealistic expectations.
Along with this season comes many expectations. There are expectations on Christmas dinner, gifts, family time, and much more. But the quicker we learn to release the grip of all those expectations built up over the years the quicker we will truly be able to enjoy the season. Even if the turkey catches fire, all the family can’t make it home at one time, or your holiday outfit doesn’t fit from too many sweets, the reason for the season doesn’t change. Christ still came to this Earth, born of a virgin, lived, died, resurrected, and conquered death once and for all! Throw your expectations out the window (we should be good at that by now, thanks 2020) and focus on the One who never fails. He gives purpose to our earthly life and hope for our future in Heaven. In Him you will find complete joy and satisfaction. “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalms 16:11
3. Spend time with Jesus!
This might sound like a given, but I think with the busyness of the season, we can overlook this if we aren’t careful. And it’s the most important part! There are many different Christmas devotionals that can be paired with your daily Bible reading to help keep your mind focused on Jesus. I’ve learned that this can really help me slow down, refocus, and remember why I am celebrating. It allows me time in His presence and it gives me something to dwell on throughout the day. I have learned that when Christ is my focus, I tend to worry a lot less about all the many things and simply enjoy Him. And when Christ is my focus, He gives me the strength I need to do the things He has for me. Choose purposefully to fill your mind with less distractions and more of His Word. Then you will have a clutter-free, Christ focused Christmas that is full of peace. “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
These are just a few practical steps to help you have a minimal Christmas! But the most important thing is to focus less on the preparations and more on His presence this year. I think you will find that a clutter-free Christmas really does allow for a more Christ-centered one. 2020 has been a crazy year and we will all gladly welcome 2021 when it finally arrives. But don’t let this month pass you by without truly enjoying our Savior Messiah. Slow down and draw near to Jesus. Enjoy fellowship with the One who gives us reason to celebrate! And have yourself a merry ‘little’ (minimal) Christmas!
That She May Know 