These questions to ask before Christmas will help you prepare for an intentional season.
As I think ahead to Christmas, I like to think of four questions and then process through them. The years have taught me that taking a little time to answer these questions ahead of time, makes a huge difference.
When you answer these four questions, you will be able to figure out why you do what you do. Whether your family consists of you and your husband or you, your husband, and your children, these are questions that you need to ask yourself.
1) What are your family traditions?
Write down all the things your family does on a regular basis during Christmas. These are the things that are unique to your family.
Look at the list of traditions. Are there any you do not enjoy? If there is a tradition that feels like more of an obligation, let it go.
If your kids are old enough to be able to share an opinion, ask them what activities they love!
2) How are you feeling emotionally going into the holidays?
Christmas is not always the most wonderful time of the year. You may be going through financial strain, marriage strain, family issues, etc. Take some time to determine how you are feeling. This will help you to be aware of your emotions.
Are you excited? Stressed? Sad? Angry?
Emotions are okay and it is good to acknowledge how we are feeling.
If you are in a hard emotional place, give yourself a lot of grace and focus on gratitude.
3) What season of motherhood are you in?
Every season of motherhood is different. All of our kids are in different phases and each phase has joys and stresses.
Before you commit to activities, make sure it is realistic with your current season.
4) What will your family say yes to and what will your family say no to this season?
When I start to feel overwhelmed about all the things, I can look at my list and be reminded of where I am saying yes in this season. Remember, you do not have to attend every single Christmas party and buy a gift for every single person. It is okay and good to say no.
Just because you have an open evening it does not mean you have to fill it with an activity!
Take some time to answer these questions yourself and have your family members answer them. When you are aiming to be intentional, these questions can help you identify areas to focus on and areas to let go of during this Christmas season.
What about you? How do you prepare for the holidays?
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