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Being Confident Of This

Grace for the work-in-progress woman

Let Go of Holiday Guilt: Stress-free Advent for Families

November 30, 2016 by jstults 7 Comments

If I have to add one more thing to my to-do list in the month of December, I just might spontaneously combust. For real. Am I the only one who finds it ironic that the season of “Peace on Earth” and “Joy to the World” is also known for being the most stressful time of year?

The last thing we all need during the holidays is one more thing to add to the to-do list, right?

Don’t get me wrong, I want to be the mom who does all of the fun things – the cotton ball crafts, the handmade Christmas ornaments, the sugar cookies from scratch – and especially the mom who does the important things, too, like teaching our children why we celebrate Christ’s birth.

After all, what mama doesn’t want to give her kids a good Christmas?

But there are only so many hours in a day, and I’m weary of this holiday guilt before we’ve even really begun!

Honestly, until a few years ago, we had never really attempted any kind of advent for families other than reading the Christmas story from the Bible, mostly because I knew my perfectionist tendencies would make it a burden rather than a blessing, a duty rather than a delight.

After all, I’m a professional at making lists and checking off boxes, but I also find lists and boxes stressful because, let’s be honest, how often do we create a list of things to do today that will really take an entire week to complete? πŸ™‚

So, if the program of advent for families involves complicated daily activities, I’m bound to get behind at some point: cue the holiday guilt.

Here’s the thing about guilt, friends – it is counter-productive. Guilt doesn’t motivate; rather it incapacitates. Β The enemy knows this all too well, and he is a master manipulator, the king of guilt-inducing thoughts, man-made rules, and unrealistic expectations.

Yes, I want to teach my children about Christ’s birth and our family traditions, but not at the expense of experiencing Christmas joy.

But I’ve found a stress-free solution…

Join me over at my friend Sarah Ann’s blog, Faith Along the Way, to find out more about avoiding holiday guilt and a simple, stress-free advent for families (plus FREE printables!).

As the season fills with busyness, how you can possibly fit in advent? Here's a simple, stress-free plan for avoiding holiday guilt. Stay focused on the true reason for the season with this simple, stress-free advent plan for families.

 

Sharing with: Grace and Truth

Filed Under: Christianity, Parenting Tagged With: Advent, advent for families, advent for kids, Christian living, Christmas Adventure Box, Christmas traditions, family, holiday guilt, Holiday traditions, keeping Christ in Christmas, kid-friendly holidays, simple advent

Comments

  1. Shira Garnett says

    December 11, 2016 at 19:15

    Very nice thoughts, Jen. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • jstults says

      December 11, 2016 at 19:20

      Thanks for stopping by, Shira!
      Jen πŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. Laurie Darilek says

    January 8, 2017 at 21:39

    Please send me permission to be able to use pro tables for advent activities for my family of 4. My 8 &10 yr old do not like lengthy religious teachings so this would be more fun and exciting. Thank yiu for sharing your efforts and thoughtful creations.

    Reply
    • jstults says

      January 21, 2017 at 15:06

      Laurie, yes, you may use these printables! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  3. Susan Evans says

    December 13, 2017 at 11:59

    We can have more peace and joy during the busy Christmas season by slowing down and doing a lot less, and abiding in Christ.

    Reply
    • jstults says

      December 13, 2017 at 12:19

      Yes! Learning to say “no” and slow down can really create some space for savoring the season. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  4. Julie says

    December 13, 2017 at 15:19

    You are preaching to the choir here! I can’t wait to click over and read the rest! Holiday guilt is real and it’s evil πŸ˜‰

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Jen: a work in progress. I'm imperfect - a mom of four, pastor's wife, discipler, and sinner saved only by grace. I like to sing, read, write, teach, and smile. I have a heart for encouraging women everywhere to understand God's limitless love for them and what His grace means for everyday living. Welcome! :) Read More…

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