WT 240: Navigating Christmas as a Christian, Part 1

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As believers, how do we navigate the hustle and bustle of the holiday season while keeping our eyes focused on the reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place? In part one of this series, Karen answers your questions about how to celebrate in a season when your church doors may be closed, how to prevent overwhelm as a single mom and of course, how to navigate gift giving.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Question 1: We are used to being very involved in church, especially this time of year. Not being able to gather with friends, family & church will make this year different on top of everything else. What home traditions did you do to focus on God and the goodness of Christmas that you still remember?

Karen’s Answer: I totally get what you are saying, and I agree, this year will be different for sure! One tradition that we usually do and I would like to still do this year, is to do gifts to children who won’t be able to have a Christmas. Another tradition we have is to do the advent calendar all month long of the manger scene.  On Christmas morning we put baby Jesus in his manger. It is a subtle thing, but it keeps the true meaning of Christmas front and center.  We read the Christmas story at breakfast before we all open gifts as a family.  Lately I have been getting more manger scenes throughout the house, and I love seeing them in every room. Place scripture around your house of the Christmas story and talk about it with your children.

Question 2: How can I tactfully explain to my mother that we aren't getting 6 households around 1 table, inside, during COVID? I don't care if it's her favorite holiday, the birth of Christ is not to be celebrated by plague. Any suggestions for alternative celebrations that won't crush my mother, but will keep people healthy?

Karen’s Answer: I get it! Well, I think you start with telling your mom just that. Just say mom, “I know this is your favorite holiday, and if you want to have everyone at your house, then my family will just bow out this year. That doesn’t mean we don’t love you, I just don’t want to get COVID especially during the holidays.” If she doesn’t understand, then she doesn’t understand. It’s going to be tricky this year, and you just have to make up your mind on what is best for you and your family and stick with it.

Question 3:   I’m a newly single parent this Christmas and that means the entire burden of wrapping, cooking, cleaning, picture taking, etc. falls on ME. How do I navigate what may be a stressful and lonely time when my children split time with their other parent?

Karen’s Answer: As far as the wrapping, cooking, picture taking, it will fall on you, so pace yourself.  Decide for yourself what are the two most important things for you and your children this year.  I wouldn’t try to over- do it.  As far as the time when your children will be with the other parent, it’s going to be different and lonely I’m sure.  I would plan some things just for you when they go to their dad’s house.  Call a girlfriend and catch a movie or go out to eat, maybe plan a spa day for yourself. As a single parent, life will be tougher, so when you have your “off” times, take advantage of it and splurge a little on yourself.  Set your own pace and splurge a little on you!

Question 4: I feel that nowadays Christmas is all about gifts and not at all celebrating Jesus. How can we better prepare the hearts of our children throughout the year for the mystery of Christmas? What is it important? What’s not? I would love helpful ways to change that focus. Thank you!

Karen’s Answer: I agree with you. The world will always blow things out of proportion, it is our responsibility to keep it in check. I would always talk about to my children that Christmas time is the celebration of Jesus’ birthday and we give gifts because the wise men brought gifts for Jesus.  I think we have to constantly be talking about the meaning behind Christmas, and that we like gifts but the gifts are not and should not be the center.  Honestly that is one reason I like the movie The Grinch, it is a great reminder not to let the gifts and decorations get out of hand.  It is easy to get out of hand. 

 Question 5: How do I handle grandparents overbuying at Christmas? We stick to the, “something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read,” for our kids. Yet, between the grandparents and extended family it is a present overload and ends up being too much. Half the stuff never gets played with and I feel overwhelmed with all the junk I have to find a place for. I don’t want to take the joy of giving away from the grandparents, but feel like we need to establish some boundaries.

Karen’s Answer: A few episodes ago a mom wrote in suggesting grandparents give “experience” gifts, like a year membership to the zoo, aquarium, a trip or things like that.  That would be a good idea, and if the grandparents want to give the toy type of gifts, maybe you and your husband give the experience gifts. I agree with you, there are only so many toys a child can have.  I also used to go around the house before Christmas and pack up toys and store them or give them away before the holidays. 

Show Credits: hosted by Karen Stubbs with Sunny Williams, written & produced by Katie Leipprandt, edited by Kyle Cummings

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