De-Stress Christmas: Making Room for Joy (and Maybe Your Sanity)
At its core, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ—the Son of God who taught, healed, and died for our sins. It’s meant to be a season of reflection, hope, and giving. Yet somehow, we’ve all managed to turn it into a month-long obstacle course filled with shopping lists, family gatherings, work parties, twinkling lights, and Christmas hams big enough to feed a small army.
No wonder stress has become a December tradition. I’ve found myself exhausted by the time the 25th rolls around—right when family pulls into the driveway. Friends tell me the same: last-minute shopping, overlapping dinners, and the annual challenge of remembering where they hid the presents. (Spoiler: It was the closet. It is always the closet.)
But Christmas shouldn’t feel like a race we forgot we signed up for. The birth of our King should fill us with joy—not make us want to crawl under the covers and emerge after the new year.
Over time, a mix of experience, mistakes, and divine patience has shown me how to reclaim the joy December tried to steal. I asked a few friends what they do to keep their sanity intact during the holidays, and they all were happy to put in their bits of advice and gems that are worth sharing, but first, here is a letter a received from my dear friend Emma, with her reply.
A Word From My Amish Friend Emma
When I considered writing this blog, I first asked my Amish friend Emma if she had any tips on destressing during the holidays. Here was her response.
**Hi,
I’ve got a minute to send a few holiday destressing tips your way.
So last year for the first time I made a conscious effort to cut back on Christmas things.
- Shopping local-as time permits and not taking a day off work, hiring a driver to run all over the county and going to big box stores.
- I was buying Christmas cards instead of making them.
So this year I’ve decided to take it a bit farther by cutting back on my Christmas card list. - I now only buy gifts for my nieces and nephews and not for everyone in my family.
- Not making any Christmas candies or dipping chocolates. (I’ll stick to Puppy Chow, Party Mix and Rice Krispy treats)
I’ll see how this goes and maybe I can make some more cuts next year. So far I have not regretted anything, except I miss shopping for the rest of the family as “gifts” is my love language.**
One of my friends just shared over the weekend how switching from retail to a receptionist job has totally changed her stress for the season. She said she doesn’t have to deal with hasty, stressed shoppers and she can’t believe how different her outlook is this Dec. And yes, holiday shoppers were part of her reason for switching jobs. (Thanksgiving & Easter as well)
Hope this helps!
In the Amish circles it is common to make wish lists for Christmas and Sister Esther required her children to put 2 needed items on their list this year. Ex: material for a dress, new lunch box, blinker for the bike, sweater)
Emma’s approach is simple, practical, and honestly refreshing. While the rest of us are panicking over the last spiral ham in the store, she’s trimming her Christmas card list and sticking to Rice Krispies treats—proof that simplicity truly is a gift.
And inspired by Emma (and my own holiday mishaps), here are a few more ways to reclaim joy this Christmas from others.
1. Read the Book of Luke as a Family
Start December 1st by reading one chapter of Luke each day. By Christmas Eve, you’ve covered the entire Gospel story—Jesus’ birth, ministry, death, and resurrection. It’s grounding, meaningful, and a healthy antidote to the chaos.
2. Prioritize What’s Truly Important
Do you really need to attend eight Christmas dinners? Unless you’re secretly trying out for a competitive eating contest—no. Remember: next to God, your family comes first. Choose the events that bring joy, not indigestion.
3. Let Go of Twinkling Perfection
So the Joneses have dancing reindeer in their yard this year. Great! Let them enjoy their electric bill. You don’t have to compete. Imagine how much good could be done if that “keeping-up” budget went to charity instead. A wreath and a few twinkling lights are perfectly lovely—and easier to untangle.
4. Allow Downtime
Take a long bath, curl up with a book, or watch your favorite Christmas movie—yes, even the cheesy one where the big-city girl moves back to her hometown and instantly falls in love with a flannel-wearing tree farmer. Your secret’s safe with me.
5. Take a Break From Social Media
Even I take weekends off from posting, scrolling, and promoting upcoming books. Step away from the highlight reels. You’d be amazed how peaceful life feels when you’re not wondering what your favorite writer is doing today. She’s working to bring you another great story. I promise.
6. Learn to Say “No”
This one is tough for me. I love helping people, but too many “yeses” turn me into the stressed-out version of myself that nobody wants to meet. It’s okay to decline invitations or obligations. Honestly, people understand more than we think—because they’re struggling to say “no” too.
7. Keep It Simple
Scale back the décor and skip the fancy dishes that require ingredients you can’t pronounce. Stick with the recipes you know. Consider making the big Christmas meal a potluck—nothing brings people together like shared food and mutual confusion over whose casserole is whose.
A Simpler Christmas Is a Happier Christmas
If you’re longing for a holiday season that feels less like a sprint and more like a deep breath, you’re not alone. Slow down. Simplify. Remember why we celebrate in the first place: Jesus’ birth. And He didn’t ask us to hang 40,000 lights to prove our devotion. He would like it if more of us were in church on Sunday or read the bible story to our grandchildren.
How can you cut back the stress this year? I’d love to hear your thoughts.