Help for the Holidays: Celebrate without Burnout, Conflict, or Ignoring Grief

Finding Peace and Joy in the Holiday Season

As the holiday season is upon us, I always notice the same thing happening. Our calendars fill up, expectations rise, and the pressure to make everything “perfect” quietly sneaks in. There are meals to prepare, gifts to buy, family dynamics to navigate, and a long list of things we feel responsible for holding together.

And yet…Christmas invites us to something entirely different.

Not more hustle.
Not more performance.
But presence.

This season offers us a sacred opportunity to return to the heart of Christmas – the birth of Christ and the peace and joy He brings into a weary world. Here’s some help for the holidays to celebrate without burnout, conflict, or ignoring your grief.

Returning to the True Spirit of Christmas

I love the beauty of Christmas. The lights, the music, the traditions, the cinnamon rolls in pajamas. None of that is bad or wrong. But when those things become the focus, we often find ourselves depleted instead of delighted.

Jesus really is the reason for the season, not as a cliché, but as a grounding truth. When Christ is at the center, everything else finds its proper place. The joy we’re looking for doesn’t come from getting it all done; it comes from remembering who He is and what His coming means for us.

When Scripture says, “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near,” it reminds us that our posture matters. How we move through this season, how we show up with gentleness, patience, and peace is part of our witness.

Practicing Generosity Without Burning Out

One of the biggest drains during the holidays is the pressure to give beyond our capacity – financially, emotionally, spiritually. Somewhere along the way, generosity became a performance instead of a posture.

Here’s the truth: generosity isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what’s yours to do.

When we plan to be generous (by setting boundaries around what we can give) we free ourselves from guilt, resentment, and exhaustion. You are not required to overextend yourself to prove your love. You don’t have to out-give the budget, outdo last year, or carry the weight of everyone’s expectations.

Love asks something very different than pressure does.
And love always leaves room for peace.

Holding Grief and Joy at the Same Time

For many, Christmas carries joy and grief. It can be the first holiday without a loved one, or another reminder of someone who is deeply missed. And I want to say this clearly: your grief does not disqualify you from celebrating Christmas.

You can love the season and still mourn.
You can rejoice and still feel the ache of absence.

God does not rush us past our grief. He enters it. Christ comes near into our sorrow, our longing, our brokenness and sits with us there.

Sometimes the most healing thing we can do is name who is missing, say their name out loud, light a candle, hang an ornament, or play their favorite song. These rituals don’t erase the loss, but they honor the love.

Christmas doesn’t have to look the same for it to still be sacred.

Making Room for Stillness

We often treat stillness like a luxury. Something we’ll get to when everything else is done. But stillness is not a reward. It’s a necessity.

This season calls us to slow down and receive. We don’t make the kingdom come. Christ is already coming! Our role is not to rush, but to remain open and receptive.

Sometimes that means literally scheduling stillness. Put it on the calendar. Treat it like an appointment. Sit quietly. Breathe. Pray. Read Scripture. Practice gratitude.

Watch how the rested version of you responds to the chaos, the noise, the undone tasks, the people you love. Stillness changes us from the inside out.

A Gentle Invitation

This Christmas, my prayer is that you would:

• Be generous without exhaustion
• Honest in your grief
• Gracious in your relationships
• Intentional with your rest

May you experience not just the celebration of Christmas, but the nearness of Christ.

If this reflection resonated with you, I invite you to watch my girl, Jenn, and I dive into this conversation “Help for the Holidays: How to Celebrate Christmas without Burnout, Conflict, or Ignoring Grief”.

Subscribe and journey with us as we continue exploring what it means to live well, faithfully, and wholeheartedly together.

Bonus Content: My Favorite Holiday Recipes

One way I embrace all of these practices is to do a little bit of prep the day before to make for a fun and stress-free Christmas morning. I’m including my favorite casseroles and my tried and true Christmas dinner that never disappoints and has seen minimal adjustments through the years. It’s a hit in my home and would be a great addition to yours! Enjoy and Merry Christmas. 

BREAKFAST:

• Martha Stewart’s Buttermilk Pancakes
  Prep Tip: Prepare the batter the night before and place in a juice pitcher with a spout for easy pouring.
  
• Croissant Bake (TikTok Link)
  I made this for the first time last year and it will forever be a Christmas tradition!
  
• Half-Baked Harvest Salted Brioche Cinnamon Rolls
  Do me a favor and do not skip the brown butter frosting. It’s a must.
  
• Caramel Pecan French Toast (Crockpot Edition)

This is so good, my husband and I have promoted this recipe to “bread pudding” status. Have fresh whipped cream on hand, my friend.

DINNER: 

This is the ONE and ONLY dinner I have ever prepared for Christmas. I don’t do it every year depending on my energy level. Sometimes the casseroles and breakfast buffet are enough to munch on throughout the day. Other times, I have a burst of energy and I want to cook. This rhythm is how I honor the day, my body, and my family. Either way, we have plenty of delicious food and lots of variety to choose from. And what’s better than going to the movies on Christmas night if you didn’t cook?

• Tyler Florence’s Roast Prime Rib of Beef with Horseradish Crust
• Mashed Potatoes
• Red Wine & Wild Mushroom Sauce
• Candied Carrots