Time is a precious commodity, and we all want to make the most of it. Right? Especially at Christmas!
Think of it – the fun, the parties, the school events, the work events, the celebrations, the traditions to be observed, the shopping, the wrapping, the baking. Oh, and don’t forget family time. All these beautiful things we cram into December to help us make the most of the season.
It’s fun. It’s exciting.
It also often creates busy and brings stress.
I get it. We want to make the most of all that comes with the season. But how in the world, do we go about enjoying as much as we can without letting things get entirely out of hand? I mean, seriously, we only have twenty-four hours in a day, and we do require sleep!
Consider these six ideas for being intentional with your time this Christmas season.
Ways to Be Intentional with Your Time This Christmas Season
SET PRIORITIES
Right here, at the beginning of December, take some time to think about your goals for this Christmas season. Make a list – time with family, connecting with friends, decorating, purchasing just the right gifts, volunteering, enjoying time honored traditions. With your list complete, identify your top priorities. Don’t go hog wild. Make them manageable. Choose wisely and discriminately. Then keep those top priorities in mind as you plan your month’s activities. As activities present themselves, learn to say “no” to those that take time away from your top priorities (or at least reduce the amount of time spent on them).
BE REALISTIC
Once your priorities are set, it is a good idea to estimate how much time you would like to devote to each. This practice can help keep you better focused and on target with your goal.
ESTABLISH ROUTINES
If you already have established routines within your home, hang on to them as best you can during the Christmas season. If not, be sure to establish routines for mealtime, bedtime, the beginning of the day, outings, or anything else you can think of for yourself and your family. Children (and even many adults) thrive on schedules and routine. This will help in the everyday of the season as well as when the routines get jostled. What’s more, some people are wired to have a better day when they know ahead what’s coming, and better days are a good thing!
DISCONNECT
We live in a fast-paced, technology-saturated world. Screens have become an added appendage for most. One of the ways to be intentional with your time this Christmas season is to make the time to disconnect. Fast from social media, limit the use of electronic devices, turn off the television, observe “tech-free” time, or whatever works for you and your family.
SIMPLIFY
As you work at being intentional about your time this season, consider simplifying wherever possible. For example, prep meals ahead and freeze them, incorporate shortcuts where you are able, schedule in some quick family favorites or meals out at a favorite restaurant. Don’t be locked in to thinking simplification can only apply to mealtime. When baking cookies, make the dough ahead of time or consider using store bought.
MODEL THE LIFE AND LOVE OF CHRIST
Perhaps the most important thing to remember in being intentional with our time this season is to model the life and love of Christ wherever we are and whatever we are doing. At a time when stress, anxiety, and tempers easily flare, take great care not to default to snippiness and selfishness. Rather exhibit Christlikeness by showing kindness, being compassionate, listening well, and responding gently and lovingly.
This Christmas season may you, slow down and enjoy the important moments of the season by being more intentional with your time.
