“I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice,
and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink,
and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.”
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
Holiday traditions are as unique as the people who celebrate them and the homes they celebrate in. While some like to keep their décor, menus, and activities simple, others like to go all out. Depending on the season of life we’re in, adjustments can be made based on the amount of time, space, funds, and energy available. Over-obligated celebrations can cause strain on families which can turn homes into battlegrounds. Holidays are much more enjoyable celebrated in peaceful “Home Sweet Home” kind of places.
Celebrating in the comfort of our homes is a blessing not everyone can enjoy. When necessities are lacking, decorating, parties, and traditions are often out of reach. These situations remind me of a mother who knew firsthand what it was like to celebrate the birth of Christ without a home.
In Luke 2:7, we see that Mary, the mother of Jesus, didn’t have a cozy place to have her baby. There was no sterile hospital, or beautiful, color-coordinated nursery full of stylish furnishings, stuffed toys, and soft linens, or a rocking chair to hold and feed her crying child. Her precious son, the Savior of the world, was placed in a simple manger while being loved and celebrated as much as any baby.
Love can be celebrated anywhere, in any way, with very little. Sometimes we forget that because most of us have comfortable places to live with more than we need. Celebrating Christ’s birth, even in simple ways, shows appreciation for God’s gifts.
Simple Christmas décor and traditions can brighten the atmosphere and inspire celebratory moods without breaking the bank. Creative decorations, dinners, gatherings, and gifts can be:
- Easy – simple and subtle
- Eclectic – creative mix of styles
- Elaborate – elegant and classy
The fun is getting to express our family’s unique lifestyles and talents.
It’s important to note that not everyone will share in the holiday spirit. Considering everyone’s preferences beforehand can help prevent having home celebrations ruined by “Grinches.” Discuss needs, encourage compromises and determine what’s best for the majority.
Determine the Time Available
Check everyone’s calendars to avoid overcommitment. Adults and children alike can get holiday fatigue participating in too many activities. Try to maintain healthy schedules while allowing some flexibility during celebrations.
Determine the Space Available
Planning a large party in a small space is not only stressful, its nuts. If you have a small home and a large guest list, find a larger venue to accommodate everyone. Eliminate unnecessary discomfort and drama.
Determine the Funds Available
Overextending budgets to celebrate is neither appreciated nor impressive. If the budget is tight, scale back and plan ahead for next year.
Determine the Energy Available
Depleting energy, keeping overwhelming traditions, is senseless. Big plans bring little joy if it puts us in the sick bed. Keep a balanced pace and enjoy your festivities.
Our homes should be places of solace during the holidays. Let’s create comfort and celebrate to our heart’s content.
“Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better than that
a man should rejoice in his own works, for that is his portion:
for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?”
Ecclesiastes 3:22
Bring It Home
What is one way you celebrate Christmas in your home?
Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC
Beth, thank you so much for sharing, as usual it always pricks something in my heart :-).
Thanks again for reading and replying Constance. I appreciate your faithful encouragement.
Smiles, BRC
This year is very different for us being in a new state. With one foot on either side, we are strattling the fence of “here” and “there”. Some of the things we’ve left in storage back home include all of our Christmas decorations. I’m longing for the Christmas feelings that come with putting up a tree, unwrapping all of the sweet decor, and reminiscing over hand made things from the kids.
However, those feeling are fleeting. Those feelings are warm and fuzzy and wonderful, but they aren’t anything compared to the joy that is true Christmas. And that is the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
This year is different. But it’s so amazing to sit back and be FORCED to consider, ponder and reflect without much interruption, the true meaning of Christmas.
Thank you for sharing Beth!
Thanks for those great thoughts Aly.
Transitions often do hinder celebrating traditions in the ways we’re used to but it also opens the door for new traditions.
Remembering the real reason for Christmas is something we can celebrate in our hearts no matter where we are or how we do it.
You will be settled in sooner than you know it with new traditions in place.
Love how you are enjoying the journey.
Smiles, BRC
Thanks, Beth, for your lovely blog post. I live alone so I keep my holiday decor to a minimum. I have a little table tree decorated with sea shells as I live by the ocean and it is one of my favorite places to walk and hang out. But wherever I am I have God with me and celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Christ.
Thanks for your reply Karen.
I think its great that you decorate to fit your current season and the sea shells sound perfect for you and your love of nature.
It’s wonderful that we can celebrate Christ’s birth in so many different locations and ways. That diversity is a credit to the Creator’s creativity in making us all so unique.
Hope you continue to have a Happy Holiday Season.
Smiles, BRC
As I enjoyed your post, I recalled the words of Jesus as recorded in John 14:1-3 which says, 1 “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. 3 “If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.”
Although Jesus’ words seem to have nothing to do with our typical Christmas traditions, I was struck by His willingness to go prepare a place for us at the end of His earthly life, even though we did not make room for His arrival at the beginning of His when He came to us as a baby on that very first Christmas.
I often dream of dwelling in the place that Jesus prepares where residents live in perfect unity with Him, Father God and Holy Spirit. However, lately I’m beginning to wonder if the preparation Jesus is performing is IN me rather than for me, and if His preparation has more to do with how I live rather than where?
Thanks for your post. It propelled me to enjoy a brief period of study which always brings me peace.
What a lovely thought about the homes Jesus is preparing for us. They sound like the perfect, peaceful, place to dwell with Him.
Thanks for visiting my Galvanized Gardens and for reading and replying to this post Martha.
Smiles, BRC