Have Yourself a Mindful Little Christmas

I often get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas that I miss out on opportunities to truly savor the things I love about the season. This is unfortunate because there are so many amazing things—people, treats, decorations, activities, etc.—to enjoy.

This year, I’m being intentional about slowing down and enjoying the present moment. This isn’t easy because I always feel like I need to complete the next thing on my list. However, I’m having success using the following strategies.

Ways to be more mindful at Christmas

• Take a few pictures, then put the phone down. I want to remember the fun we have around Christmas, so I always try to capture images of my kids decorating cookies, opening gifts, making crafts, and taking part in other Christmas activities. I’ll then text some of these photos to grandparents and other loved ones. There’s nothing wrong with taking (and sharing) pictures, but sometimes I want to capture so many moments that I’ll spend more time taking pictures than soaking in the events as they happen. I’m learning to snap a couple of photos and then put my phone down. A few photos are enough to capture memories and I can share these with loved ones later. While the activity is taking place, I’m trying to take in the merrymaking and joy.
• Slow down when eating. Treats, especially cookies, are one of my favorite things about Christmas. In fact, several years ago I put together a Christmas cookie bucket list that I’m slowly working my way through. Of course, there are plenty of other yummy treats like hot chocolate, spiced nuts, and peppermint bark. The problem with these treats is that they are so tasty that I scarf them down without really savoring their flavors. I’m learning to slow down when I eat and really appreciate the little things about the foods: the warmth of the hot chocolate, the sweet-spicy flavor of gingerbread, the soft texture of sugar cookies, etc.
• Be present while wrapping presents. I often feel like gift wrapping is another chore I need to check off my list. However, I’ve come to see it as an opportunity to do two things. One is to be creative. With such colorful paper, ribbons, and bows, it’s a chance to let loose and have fun. Believe me, my kids don’t care if a bow isn’t symmetrical or if the ribbon clashes slightly with the paper! The second opportunity I have while wrapping gifts is to pray for the recipients. When I wrap a gift, I try to thank God for the recipient and pray for his or her health and safety in the coming year. This makes the time spent wrapping gifts quite meaningful.
• Engage all my senses. The Christmas season is really a multisensory experience. I’m trying to pause at various moments and take in the foods, décor, activities, etc. with all my senses. I’m trying to appreciate the soft glow of Christmas lights in a darkened room, the smooth ribbon on gifts, the sweet-savory flavor of spiced apple cider, the woodsy scent of evergreen boughs, and the melodious sound of my children singing Christmas carols.
• View things through the eyes of my children. Though I love Christmas a lot, I know that there is no way I enjoy it more than my children do. From shiny bows to cute gingerbread men, they find joy in almost every little thing. I’m finding that it is very easy to pause and engage with what is happening in the present moment when I observe their wonder and try to see things through their eyes.
• Choose quality over quantity. I don’t have to do it all. This is an excellent mantra for Christmas (and for the rest of the year). My family doesn’t have to go to a party just because we were invited. I don’t have to bake yet another batch of cookies. I can stick those gifts in gift bags instead of taking time to wrap them. We don’t need to try another Advent tradition because we already do Jesse Tree readings. We can drive around the neighborhood and look at Christmas lights instead of driving all around town. It’s often incredibly beneficial for us to slow down and do less. I’m learning that doing less over Christmas means I can engage more fully in what we choose to do because I’m not spread too thin.

Because of these strategies, I’m feeling less rushed this Christmas. I’m enjoying our traditions instead of rushing through them because I don’t feel like they are chores to check off my to-do list. This feels great!

How do you handle the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season? Do you ever feel stressed or overwhelmed? What strategies do you use to make sure you enjoy the little things about the Christmas season?

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Busy Monday.