How Can I Simplify Christmas For Survival?

Feeling overwhelmed about Christmas and expectations–even your own–to do it all? Kerryn shares the best place to start. And no, it is not about making a list.

“The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper” (Proverbs 19:8).

Recently I had my counseling session and was asked, “What emotions come up when I mention Christmas?”

I burst into tears and shrugged my shoulders, as grief encircled my heart.

Verbalizing all that was going on in my heart and mind wasn’t possible, as it was an emotional blur.

I know I’m not alone in this. . .

The celebratory season often arrives with grief about all that we’ve lost. Added to that are the difficulties for our bodies that the extra energy and activities creates. So, this is a time to step into Godly wisdom and understanding of our bodies!

I sure need to simplify Christmas for survival.

Once I began thinking in this way, it became easier and more and more ideas flowed. It also became clear that God doesn’t want me overwhelmed with grief, or burdened with more than my body can manage.

Matthew 11:30 says, “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

So here are some things I am going to do to ease the burden:

• I’ll be sending a bulk Christmas email instead of hand written Christmas cards.
• Shopping is impossible, I will be shopping online and have items delivered to my door.
• I’ll take advantage of any gift wrapping services.
• I’ll acknowledge that it’s time to be really honest with myself and others about what I can or cannot manage. If other people don’t understand, that’s not my problem. I’ll set my boundaries for my health’s sake. It’s wisdom!

I’m thankful for my counselor’s simple question. God has guided me through it to His wisdom that brings a greater love for life and ability to enjoy the little things. I figure if Jesus was born in a simple stable, then I can simplify and prune Christmas to be more simple too. A simple Christmas is beginning to bring joy and even excitement!

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your reminder that the first Christmas was in a simple stable. Help me to simplify my Christmas activities to help me to enjoy this precious time of the year and care for my health. Amen.

About the Author:
Kerryn Wright lives with her family amongst the gum trees in South Australia. She was a special education teacher prior to chronic illnesses. Her husband is carer for three of their family, who have chronic illnesses and disabilities. God has always guided them through life’s challenges, often in surprising ways.

What areas of Christmas can you simplify? Are there things that you’ve done before, that caused exhaustion, that can be removed or simplified? What would help you most to, not only survive Christmas, but to enjoy it?

Christmas doesn’t need to be about the business, but rather, as this song says, “Christmas is All in the Heart” with Steven Curtis Chapman. This is a beautiful video that reminds us that regardless of what is going on in our world and circumstances, Christmas can still exist. -Lisa