Thursday, December 12, 2024
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. It can also be the most overwhelming, exhausting, and emotional time of the year (especially if you’re an introvert).
Amidst the hustle and bustle (consider linking to other Christmas Activities article) of the season, we want to help you take time for yourself. Here are ten ideas to slow down, decompress, and reflect this season:
1. Make a Christmas playlist
… or even a non-Christmas, wintry playlist, if that’s your preference. Put together a list of seasonal music you love, to play in the car and during any Christmas activities.
2. Decorate
You’ve probably already done this one, but if you haven’t, allow yourself time to enjoy decorating your home for Christmas—whether it’s putting up a tree, pulling out décor passed down from family, or hanging up paper garlands and cut-out snowflakes. Don’t forget to put on your Christmas playlist while you work!
3. Bake cookies
…or your own baked good of choice. Whatever you make can also double as a homemade gift for loved ones! You can go back to Day 1 of the Advent calendar and try Ben's rum cake recipe.
4. Research Christmas traditions from around the world
…and maybe try one out! In Iceland, loved ones exchange books before Christmas, and in Finland, it’s customary to warm up in a Sauna at the end of the holiday. Those are traditions I could get used to.
5. Try out a Christmas craft
Try making your own homemade Christmas decorations, gifts, or cards. Search “Christmas crafts” online, or buy some supplies and make it up as you go!
6. Write a letter
A personal letter can mean the world to friends or family members. Take the time to write out a thoughtful note to someone you miss, you’re grateful for, or who could use a little extra cheer right now.
7. Go for a winter walk
Yes, it’s cold out. But if you layer up with your coat, hat, gloves, and scarf, and find a local park or trail to explore, you may experience God’s peace and the beauty of his creation in a fresh new way—especially if you go out after a fresh snow!
8. Check out the neighborhood lights
…Or, if you’d really rather stay where it’s warm, wait till it gets dark and drive through your neighborhood (in your heated car) to find whose house has the best Christmas lights.
9. Do a jigsaw puzzle
Buy a pretty puzzle for yourself, or pick out one you already have. Not big on puzzles? Set aside time this month for whatever hobbies you do enjoy!
10. Enjoy a Christmas story
Read your favorite Christmas-related book or watch a Christmas movie—best enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa, under a pile of blankets. This is also a great time to read the Christmas story in Matthew 1:18–2:23 and Luke 1:26–2:40. Set aside some time to read it all at once, or spread it out over the next few days, as you prepare your heart for Christmas.