Christmas Traditions to Start this Year
This year, let’s make Christmas truly meaningful! In this special episode, we’re joined by our friend from yesHEis to explore how we can celebrate the season with deeper purpose and intention. Together, we’ll answer some big questions.
As we approach the season of giving and joy, ask yourself: how will YOU celebrate Christmas differently this year?
What does a meaningful Christmas look like?
A meaningful Christmas celebration is one that goes beyond the surface-level traditions and focuses on the heart of the season. It’s about cherishing moments with loved ones, showing kindness to others, and reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus and the hope He brings.
1) Spending quality time
with family, creating lasting memories through simple, intentional activities.
2)Giving with purpose
not just material gifts, but acts of love, encouragement, and service.
3) Centering the celebration
of Jesus through prayer, reading the Christmas story, or singing carols that honor His birth.
4) Sharing joy
by reaching out to those in need, whether through donations, volunteering, or inviting someone who might be lonely to celebrate with you.
How to shift from materialism to the true message of Christmas?
1) Focus on Jesus
“Jesus is the reason for the season.” It might sound cliché, but there’s a profound truth behind it that often gets lost in the holiday rush. For many, Christmas becomes a whirlwind of shopping, decorating, and planning, leaving little room to reflect on what it’s truly about.
2) Share the Gospel
Christmas, with all its festivities, naturally opens doors for connection. The joy, the gatherings, and the spirit of giving create the perfect backdrop for conversations about faith and the hope found in Jesus. The season is not just as a time for celebration, but as an opportunity to share the greatest gift of all—the Good News.
3) Presence over presents
Christmas is more than gifts or decorations—it’s about being present with your families and friends. Time is the most precious gift you can give. Yet, Christmas also reminds us of God’s greater gift—His Son, Jesus, sent to save the world.
“That perspective of a simple life but one that is called to purpose that eventually leads to ultimate joy.”
New ways to celebrate Christmas
1) Embrace Simplicity
Celebrate in comfortable Christmas pajamas and focus on spending quality time with loved ones.
Let go of extravagant traditions and focus on the joy of togetherness. Embracing a simpler, quieter way of celebrating—just wearing Christmas pajamas, spending time together, and focusing on what truly matters.
2) Rest
The essence of Christmas boils down to one simple word: rest
Christmas is one of the rare times in the year when the world slows down, offering a chance to step away from the grind of deadlines and achievements.
It’s no coincidence that the longest rest periods on the calendar—Christmas and the Lenten season—are centered around Jesus and the Gospel. God’s design for rest reflects His heart for us, reminding us of His command to rest as seen in the Sabbath.
Rest isn’t just physical; it’s a spiritual invitation. Jesus calls out in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest.” For those facing hardships, whether grief or struggles, Christmas can be a time to pause, recover, and find renewal in God’s presence.
3) Christmas is a Season of Re-encounter
Christmas isn’t always easy, especially for those dealing with loss. April, our guest, recounted her experience of losing both parents in 2021, calling it her darkest Christmas. Yet, through grief, she found gratitude, realizing she had prayed for her parents’ salvation for a decade. She may have lost them, but she had the assurance they were now with the Lord—a culmination of years of prayer.
4) Inspire through Christmas
Take inspiration from John Piper’s reflection: “Christmas is so precious because it’s like being on the gallows, guilty, with a noose around your neck. But then, the Prince walks up, takes the rope, and says, ‘I love you.” View Christmas as a time to celebrate the preciousness of Jesus’ sacrifice and love.
By living a life deeply satisfied in Jesus, we become a testimony to His peace and joy, inspiring others effortlessly. As John Piper says, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”
5) Volunteer Season
Gratitude can coexist with sadness. We may not feel joyful, but you can still find peace in God’s love. Volunteering—whether at a church, orphanage, or home for the elderly—can be a powerful way to shift focus outward and see God’s faithfulness even in pain.
This Christmas, may we all find rest in His presence, joy in simplicity, and purpose in sharing His love. Let’s make this season about Him, living out the gospel in ways that inspire and encourage everyone around us.
“When we center our lives on Him, we find a joy that isn’t fleeting but everlasting. It’s a joy that radiates, touching others and pointing them to the true reason for the season.”