Mama, It’s Not Your Job to be the Christmas Activity Director

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Christmas is upon us with all its beauty, brightness, and joy. The lights are glowing, the colors are bright, the songs are jolly. It’s a magical season. But do you know what else comes with the holiday season that isn’t so magical?

Fear of not measuring up. 

Feelings of failure.

Unrealistic expectations.

We live in a world that is inundated with so much stuff this time of year; so much that we cannot even think straight.

There’s the Christmas crafts to make, the books to read, the Advent calendars to open, and the Elves to move from their shelves. There’s the pictures to take in matching pajamas, the cards to mail, and the cookies to decorate. There’s the light displays to drive through, the gingerbread houses to build, and the secret Santa gifts to plan. There’s the advent lessons to read, the gifts to buy and wrap, the class parties to attend, and the movies to watch.

Are you tired yet?

I could actually keep going for another few paragraphs, but I’ll spare you the fatigue because I think you get the point.

Can I interrupt our exhausting Christmas to-do list for a second and tell you a secret?

It is not your job to be your kids’ Christmas activity director. 

It is not your job to make Christmas perfect for your family.

It is not your job to fit in every single Christmas craft, game, or tradition that Pinterest has to offer. 

Don’t let Instagram or Facebook deceive you. Don’t let the beautiful filters leave you feeling worthless. This is not how it is supposed to be.

If filling every second of the Christmas season with “stuff” isn’t how it is supposed to be, then what should it actually look like?

It should look like grace.

Grace for yourself when you just can’t muster up the creativity or energy to make one more glittery handprint ornament. Grace for your kids when they don’t smile for one single Christmas card picture. Grace for the poor mailman who has no clue where your packages are.

It should look like peace.

Peace because you’ve let go of the extensive list of expectations that you usually carry with you during this season. Peace in your home because you aren’t pushing your family to add just one more tradition to the mix. Peace in your heart and mind because you’ve come to understand that your worth doesn’t rest on your ability to conquer that Christmas to-do list. 

It should look like joy.

Joy in the simple things. Joy from the moments of experiencing the true meaning of Christmas with your kids. Joy stemming from the gifts in your life that actually matter. 

If you enjoy doing alllllll the things at Christmas, more power to you. If it’s your gifting to plan all the crafts and be all the things to all the people, go you! But for most of us, this isn’t our reality. And it’s time to take our Christmas back. For our sanity and the good of our homes. 

So throw out the Christmas Activity Director to-do list. Pick a few of the most important traditions in your family and enjoy them. Embrace the little things. Watch your kiddos smile as they experience the true magic of the season. You won’t regret it. 

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lynziebrewer
Born and raised in Central Arkansas, Lynzie is a pastor's wife, business owner, adoptive and homeschool mom, and new Okie. She and her husband love visiting local restaurants, taking walks to the park, and cheering on the Thunder with their six kids. Give her a good book and some apple pie and all will be right with the world!

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