As we enter into Advent, it’s easy to let the busyness of the season overwhelm us, especially when managing a family calendar filled with activities, events, and obligations. Whether you have young toddlers or high schoolers, it’s tempting to let December become a whirlwind—a series of tasks to check off rather than a time to slow down and reflect on the coming of Christ. But Advent offers us an invitation to pause, to rest, and to worship. It’s a season to anticipate and give thanks for the greatest gift ever given—the promised Messiah.
Here are some ways to protect the spirit of Advent for your family, keeping Christ at the center and creating space for rest and worship:
1) Keep Christ at the Center
What does God want from us this Christmas? Our hearts. As we reflect on our family rhythms and traditions, it’s always helpful to consider how they impact the posture of our hearts. (The list below was taken from a longer article Keeping the Heart in Our Christmas Traditions from Desiring God):
- Does this tradition help us to value Jesus as the Greatest Gift ever given, or does it turn our hearts toward seeking lesser gifts at the expense of celebrating the Giver?
- Does this tradition cause us to spend an inordinate amount of time, energy, or money on ourselves, and in doing so deplete our joy in Christ?
- Does this tradition increase stress and decrease holiness in our family, or does it increase our joy in God and the relationships we have with those around us?
- Does this tradition turn our hearts in thanksgiving to the God who made us and gave us all things through Christ?
- Does this tradition help us to spread the love and joy of Christ and the gospel to fellow believers and to neighbors who don’t yet know Christ? If not, could it?
- Do my family’s cumulative traditions allow me time for serving and bringing joy to those in the church or neighborhood who are hurting, suffering loss, or lonely during this season?
2) Keep Things Simple
Remember that there are seasons for all things! And also that sometimes simple gestures can provide an even richer blessing than our most intricate plans, especially during the years in which we have multiple little ones at home. Consider a few ways to celebrate simply below:
- Celebrate simply: Order a set of festive Christmas paper plates and cups. Inspire and transform ordinary dinners or snacks into “special” occasions by using these plates.
- Read Christmas books together: Take every opportunity to read by the fire, outside under a blanket, or by the Christmas tree. Bring a Christmas book to a coffee shop for a cozy reading session over hot cocoa.
- Choose a single set of Advent readings: Less is more. Consider a simple, meaningful Advent reading plan, like the Jesus Storybook Bible Jesse Tree readings. These are ideal for younger children and will help them grasp the heart of Advent.
- Listen to Advent music: Enjoy Andrew Peterson’s Behold the Lamb of God Advent album that traces the Bible’s promise of Jesus from Genesis through His birth!
- Turn off the lights: Light a single candle and talk about how Jesus came to be the Light of the World. This simple yet memorable act can be a tangible reminder on winter solstice, the darkest day of the year, on December 21, 2024.
- Go on a Christmas lights outing: Everyone—parents included—put on cozy pajamas and head out to see Christmas lights. Whether it’s throughout the neighborhood or a drive-through display like Lights of Life, this is a simple and fun way to create memories together. Bonus points if you split a Chick-fil-A peppermint milkshake or a Starbucks hot chocolate on the way. Hint: Ask for that hot chocolate “child temp” so it will be drinkable right away!
- Bake simple Christmas treats: Use slice-and-bake cookies and let everyone decorate them any way they like. Sprinkles for everyone! (and it doesn’t require hours of preparation!)
- Serve simply together: What a season to model with your children that it is better to give than it is to receive! Consider simple acts of kindness, like packing an Operation Christmas Child shoebox, making a card for a neighbor, or chalking the sidewalk with a “Merry Christmas” message. This is about developing a heart of generosity without the pressure of perfection.
3) Create Space for Rest & Anticipation
Advent isn’t about doing more; it’s about making space to be—to rest in God’s presence, to anticipate the arrival of Christ, and to behold the gift of His Son with awe and wonder.
Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” In our fast-paced world, it’s often in the quiet moments that we experience God’s presence most fully. Slow down, breathe deeply, and allow your family to rest in the anticipation of Christ’s birth.
May your Advent be filled with peace, wonder, and a renewed sense of awe at the greatest gift ever given—Immanuel, God with us.
Written in collaboration by a group of seasoned moms at Heritage.
