Let is slow, let it slow,
Let it Slow!
I may be singing a different tune than most this time of year but something in me this year is telling me to slow, simplify and savor.
And I invite you to do the same.
In this post I’m sharing tips on how to slow down this Christmas season. You’ll center in on what’s important in life while reducing stress, enjoying the moments and savoring the festive spirit.
While I playfully changed up the words of that famous snowy Christmas carol, I’ll admit, slowing down feels more like a fight than a song and dance.
It’s hard to press pause or even deep breathe in the hustle and bustle. The world is swirling and speaking so loudly, it’s easy to get lost in it.
But my armor is on; I’m defending the season.
Of Peace.
Of Wonder.
Of Hope.
And the sweet, sweet awaiting
Of Christ.
I’m fighting to slow down and savor this Christmas Season.
Why Slow Down
Slowing down doesn’t mean being a scrooge and pulling out the rug on the magic of the season.
In fact, it really magnifies the magic.
You’ll feel more restored, fulfilled and balanced.
Silence magnifies the beauty of this sacred season.
Did you know that slowing down enhances our senses? Therefore, we can be more present in the moment, leading to:
- connecting deeper with people
- having more meaningful experiences
- gaining insight to your inner world and transforms your well-being.
And by nature, slowing down tends to reveal more quiet moments. Not sure about you but I’m definitely here for that.
It’s crazy to think that we, as moms (and people in general), rob ourselves of some of the richest and most mild moments in life just by the pace of the
busy day.
Benefits of Slowing Down
Aside from the connection and insight mentioned above, your whole self will benefit from a slower pace. For example, somethings you’ll experience include:
- Reduce Stress
- Increase Joy
- Improve Mindfulness
- Soften your heart and grow in Faith
As you can see, slowing down reveals the purpose of Christmas.
And this is so important us AND for our children, too.
Not just because mom is less stressed; rather this gentle pace impacts them for years to come.
In another words, I believe slowing down is the ultimate key that unlocks the future for our kids and generations to follow. Especially for traditions and obedience.
If we don’t help them pause and know the small moments in this hustle world, who will?
How to Slow Down
Slowing down isn’t hard but it does take a bit of discipline. One thing I’ve realized is that it feels different than what the rest of the world is doing. Here’s some of my best tips.
1. Prioritize with a Plan
This sounds so simple, and it is but I feel like I often overlook this.
Sit down and decide what you want the holiday season to look like. Envision the feeling and the rhythm you want for your family.
What are those must dos? The want tos?
Deciding these will then automatically generate the no thank you list.
And when you have that plan, stick to that.
For us this year, we really feel the nudge to do those small family time traditions. My husband and I both hold the simplest things– game night by the tree and sipping hot cocoa while looking at lights–at forefront of our childhood holiday memories.
The small things are the big gifts of Christmas.
And those little things can lose a bit of luster when cramming them. You want to add these in, while keeping a peaceful rhythm to your day.
2. Let Go of the Unnecessary
To keep those peaceful rhythms, it really comes back to being realistic about time and energy, and then you have to…
Let it go.
Let go of all the unnecessary that doesn’t align with your original plan.
This is where it can get hard, to be honest. Because all the traditions, obligations, and gift lists seem to multiply.
In order to slow down, you have to learn to let go.
Learn to let go of:
- perfection– embrace imperfections and focus on the joy of the season
- doing it all– delegate tasks with family like cooking, cleaning, decorating or shopping
- what others are doing– families have different values and plans, it’s going to look different
- attending all the events-It’s okay to decline invitations or requests if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Know your limits and prioritize self-care.
This year my husband and I opted out of one of his work-related parties. It felt like too much to travel a weekend before Christmas. And that would take away from our original plan of focusing on the small, relaxing family traditions.
3. Schedule Blank Space
Back to the reason of the season– Jesus, family, love, and hope. Stressing out and a busy day reduces our capacity to care for others and ourselves. And it robs us of enjoying what this time of the year could be.
I mentioned this idea briefly in my 10 tops for good health this fall post.
The concept’s pretty simple–Create space and you’ll immediately achieve a better-balanced pace.
4. Embrace Self-Care
Don’t wait until the New Year to start prioritizing you. Do the small things that work right into your day and embrace the season.
Actually, just live intentionally and more memorably.
Examples include:
- waking up 10 minutes earlier to sit by the tree and sip your water or coffee
- Curl up and read a book
- Follow a mindfulness meditation like an advent prayer or devotional each day
- Spend time with a friend for coffee or a walk.
- Make a seasonal, nourishing meal
Oh,and continue to prioritize sleep and REST.
5. Digital Detox
Decreasing the device time actually isn’t impossible when you’re adding in other things such as prayer, mindfulness and self-care. Yet, it’s habit to reach for phones and scroll social media. Without even thinking about it!
One way we’ve ensured no distraction is to have a ‘detox’ or no phone policy during mealtime.
Grab a shoebox, have the kids decorate it and drop your phones in there upon coming to the table. This eliminates the temptation to check calendars, answer calls/texts or even just reach to see why the ‘ding’ during dinner.
6. Focus on Gratitude
The last thing I’ll leave you with is gratitude. Take time to reflect on what you’re grateful for. This can help shift your mindset and bring more joy into the season.
It’s common to make a Wishlist of things we ‘want,’ but why not turn that thinking around?
Highlight your blessings, spending time thinking about what you have right now. And allow yourself to feel the gratitude.
A fun way to involve the kids into this is write a list of these things they are thankful for. Or the gifts they have now. Make this fun, just as you would when you write a Wishlist to Santa. And then talk about it at the table.
Another form of gratitude includes taking care of your health. And perhaps beyond the typical expectations of moving your body and eating well, though that’s important too.
Appreciate the positive aspects of your body.
Can you smell holiday cookies? Admire and feel the warmth of the fireplace? What about get outside to walk around and take in the sights and sounds of the holiday season?
Be grateful for what gifts your health gives to you, not how it may limit you.
Give yourself the Gift of Slow
A lot of preparation goes into this time of the year and yet it feels like Christmas day comes and goes in a flash. While it’s true we cannot freeze time, we can make a conscious effort of going slow and savor the moments– the joy, connection and reflection.
Give yourself the gift of slow in the modern world and receive the favor in which God intended for us this special time of year.
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