E257: This Christmas, Choose Purpose instead of Pressure

Does Christmas bring you opportunities, or obligations? Or both?

What gift should I bring? What dish should I make? What outfit should I wear? How do I set the timer for the Christmas lights?

The holiday season can put a lot of pressure on us. This pressure keeps us from fully experiencing joy and meaning. This year, what if you turn down the pressure and turn up the purpose? This can happen if you approach the season intentionally. Here are a few simple ways to do that:

1. Choose a plan that fits your budget

There are countless meaningful ways to celebrate Christmas. Look at your budget and let your heart dream within it.

We often think more money will fix everything, but imagination creates far more than money can buy. Last Friday my wife and I picked up friends and helped someone decorate their home. The only cost was time, but the meaning and fun was very high.

2. Choose experiences

December is filled with opportunities: light displays, concerts, gatherings, car rides with Christmas tunes.

Instead of asking, "What can I buy?" ask, "What can we do together?"

Most years, I make ornaments on a lathe in my garage and invite friends to join me. It's simple, fun, and relational.

3. Choose small things

Big gifts look amazing in commercials, but most people don't need them, and many can't afford them.

Instead of one big gift, scatter small acts of kindness throughout the month. Deliver a special coffee. Drop off baked goods. Invite someone to watch a game.

A friend of ours runs a cookie business. Every year we volunteer a couple hours to help box orders. It's small, but fun and meaningful.

4. Choose confidence and communicate

When you set an intentional plan, communicate it. You might relieve others of pressure they've been carrying silently.

At Thanksgiving, I shared our plan: "If you need anything during December, a cup of coffee, cocoa, anything, just send a text." Sharing this opened up conversation and set a tone for the entire family.

5. Choose to lead

If you have kids, they need to be taught how to celebrate Christmas.

Instead of feeling pressured to spoil them, show them what it means to give. Let them experience the joy of serving others. These are the memories that shape them for life.

This season, choose purpose over pressure.

You don't have to keep up with culture's pace.

You get to choose what matters, and then live it.

If you would like to donate to help with the inmates in prison, or with the students in school, here is the link: https://markdelaney.com/donate/