1. Community
Make time for real relationships. For many there are lots of opportunities, but what relationship should you focus on? The tension this time of year could be having too many opportunities. Which ones will help you live in who God has called you to be? For some, you may want to pull away, but also make it a point to connect with people.
It does not always have to be expensive or elaborate, but keep it simple. We were made for relationships. A relationship can enrich our life, so this Christmas be intentional with your community.
2. Pick up a Spiritual Discipline
This is a great time to try or pick up a Spiritual discipline for a season. The role of the spiritual discipline is intentional development of our relationship and intimacy with Jesus. It is a deliberate self-imposed habit to foster spiritual growth in one’s life and community.
Consider a Discipline of Abstinence such as solitude, silence, fasting, frugality, chastity, or sacrifice.
3. Specific Serving
Jesus is the neighbour who came to serve. Many this time of year jump on the bandwagon of serving in organizations. That is important, but consider being specific in your serving this year. It is as we serve others that we become more like Christ.
Instead of just giving money to an organization, which you should still do, consider a single adult or family that you could invest in personally. Find ways to bless them over the four weeks of advent and week of Christmas.
4. Find a devotional to lead you through the advent themes in scripture
Staying in God’s word always has a great impact in fostering our walk with Jesus and helping us enter, engage and experience the life we were created for. It helps us know who God is, which can help us know who we are and what we are to do.
5. Check your expectations.
What we focus on matters as it sets our direction. During the Christmas season, we need to check our expectations. Many have an expectation of themselves and each other that are not realistic. Choose to be simple and enjoy the little things.
6. Take rest
Be sure to take the time to rest. There are three elements to this rest. First it is breaking from the normal routine of life, second is finding things that are restorative, and third, get physical sleep.
7. Spend less
Here in Canada, it is so easy to think you need to spend money to enjoy Christmas. There is a place for money, but make a budget and stay within it. Money can be a stresser for many, so remember that Christmas is about more than how much you spend.
What would you add to the list?