THE BLOG

Jesus is the Reason for the Season

We had a little debate-ish at bible study last week. A few of us don’t do Santa in our homes and a few of us do. Some were undecided.

In our home, I explained, “We told our kids that Santa isn’t real.” 

Yep, I said it. Now before you judge me too harshly, let me explain… last year we noticed that Christmas and Easter had become more about pleasing Santa and the Easter Bunny than it was about Jesus, and we weren’t ok with that. Each time a child misbehaved we would say “Remember, Santa is watching you” as a way to keep them in line. They would ask about presents and all the things they hoped to receive. Toy catalogs would arrive and they would fight over who got to circle what they wanted. Before long, 95% of the toys in the magazines were circled. It was nearly impossible to get them to sleep on Christmas Eve because they wanted to catch Santa coming down the chimney. That meant a very long night followed by an extremely early morning. All day, no one would get along because everyone was so tired. It became so hard to find joy, even on Christmas day. My husband and I went back and forth about it last year. Do we tell them, or not? Will they still feel the “magic” of Christmas? Will they still trust us? The decision came down to this; the reason for the season is Jesus. If he isn’t at the center of it all, then we aren’t doing our job in raising these kids to follow him and live only for him. We couldn’t see how we could backtrack in order to make Christmas less about Santa, and more about Jesus. Our only real option was to tell them the truth. When we did, everything changed. 

We sat them down at the kitchen table and just laid it out there. If you're curious about how it went;  Vera was mad, Everhett was curious, Mercy still didn’t totally understand, and Jase will never know the difference. But guess what!? They still trust us, and most of all, they don’t hate us!

1. Keep yourself close to Jesus.

“Yes, I am the vine and you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the chaos of Christmas. If you’re like me, you’ve put off buying gifts for way too long, you’re hosting the holiday meal, and you’ve got to keep up with all the traditions. Cutting and trimming the tree, cookie baking and decorating, Christmas light gazing, and all the holiday services and productions at church. It can be hard to find a minute alone with our creator redeemer, but the closer we are to Jesus, the more natural it will feel to direct our families to Jesus. If you have to get up 15 minutes earlier or stay up 15 minutes later, to get in some Jesus time, do it! Be intentional about getting into His word and talking with him. Take it further and talk with him while you do the dishes, or prepare meals. Worship in the car on the way to and from school. Dive into the story of Jesus’ birth by reading Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2 together. This is a tried-and-true practice in my personal parenting experience. When I oversleep or I don’t get time in the morning alone with God, I’m less patient and easily angered, and I am less likely to give off that filled-with-the-Holy-Spirit vibe. Intentionally setting aside time to be alone with Jesus is essential in keeping Him at the center. Remember too, that more is caught than taught. If your kids see you reading your bible, or worshipping like no one is watching they’re more likely to follow in those footsteps. 

2. Presence > Presents

“Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly- not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord over the people assigned to your care but lead them by your own good example.”

1 Peter 5:2-3

I’m always looking for fun ways that point back to the reason for the season, new traditions, events, activities... I’m the queen of overcomplicating things, but it doesn’t have to be complicated! It’s as simple as pointing out how the first snowfall always reminds me of how Jesus washed my sins away and made me white as snow. It’s as easy as reading a Christmas/advent daily family devotional. Spending quality time together, showing our kids the love of Jesus by setting aside the to-do list and playing legos, or dress up. Keep your ears open for simple opportunities to bring up Jesus in conversation and get excited to point out ways that God has already given to you and your family. A year from now, our kids won’t remember what presents they got at Christmas, but they will always remember that you were present in the moments that mattered. Set the phone down, and set a good example for your kids.

3. Giving > Getting.

“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

2 Corinthians 9:7

Teach your kids to give with a cheerful heart. Don’t make them give gifts out of obligation, but encourage them to show kindness and compassion through giving out of what Christ has so graciously given to them. Some fun ideas for non-materialistic gifts could be; coupons for acts of service for each family member, maybe drawing a picture, making an ornament, or writing an encouraging letter to their siblings. Those kinds of gifts mean more than anything money can buy, and bonus… it teaches our kids the true joy of giving authentically. One family I know has made it a tradition to give each of their kids three gifts on Christmas morning, because Jesus received three gifts. Another family I know gives each of their children $50 to keep and $50 to bless someone in need whether they pick a name or need from a giving tree, or buy a meal for a homeless family that mom is teaching her kids what this season is all about. We can buy all the things, but materialism is dangerous and only breeds greed. Keep gift-giving simple and fun!

Slow down, take it all in. Enjoy Christmas instead of agonizing over presents, and family gatherings. Play in the snow (if you’ve got any),  bake the cookies, decorate the tree, drink the eggnog (or don’t, ew) fit in all the fun celebrations you can! But don’t get so wrapped up in the hustle and bustle, that you forget that Jesus truly is the reason for the season.

Do you have a fun tradition or a tip for how to keep Jesus at the center of Christmas? I’d love to hear about it! Share your idea on Instagram and tag @embolden.her or email me your story at emboldenher23@gmail.com  i can’t wait to hear from you!

xoxo,

Katie