Christmas is right around the corner! Are you ready for it? As soon as the Thanksgiving turkey is cold, I’m ready for all things Christmas. Put up the lights, hang the décor, turn on the music, and let it snow, let it snow, let it snoooow!
We spend all year anticipating this season — “the most wonderful time of the year.” Yet as soon as it arrives, we moms often find ourselves planning every detail: matching pajamas, Christmas cards, Elf on the Shelf antics, school concerts, and memories we hope will last a lifetime.
This time of year, I feel the pressure to do all the things for all the people. But this week, God reminded me — and I hope reminds you — that this season was never meant to be perfect.
"You Ruined Christmas!"
Earlier this week, my daughter was checking Amazon for the status of something she bought with her own chore money. I didn’t think anything of it… until she innocently asked if some of the other packages were Christmas gifts.
My heart sank.
- I felt like I had failed to protect the “perfect” Christmas surprise.
- I worried the magic would fade if they knew their gifts early.
- And honestly… I just love the joy on Christmas morning.
To make it worse, in her excitement she shared what she saw with her brother, and he blurted out, “You ruined Christmas!”
At first, I understood how he felt — surprises are fun, after all. But the moment those words left his mouth, something in my spirit stopped me. I pulled them both close and reminded all of us that Christmas isn’t about gifts or perfect moments. Christmas is about slowing down, being present, and remembering that Christ the King chose the humblest beginning so that we could have salvation.
No package can outshine that.
Christmas Isn't Perfection
Moms pour a lot of love into this season. Maybe you crochet a sweater, handmake gifts, or cook special meals. Maybe you start shopping in October to make sure everything is wrapped before the turkey is even in the oven.
We give and give because we want it to feel special.
But the pressure to create a “perfect” Christmas can leave us stressed and disappointed. When we loosen our grip on perfection and focus on connection, warmth, and the heart of the season, we often find more peace than we imagined.
Be Still
If you’re in the thick of preparations, pause with me for a moment.
Close your eyes.
Take a slow breath in…
Release it.
Now do it again — but this time, exhale the expectations you’ve been carrying. Let go of the pressure to make every moment magical or every detail flawless.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
Slow down. Breathe. Thank God for the blessings right in front of you — even the messy ones. It’s easy to lose the meaning of this season when we let the hustle take over. Remember why we celebrate: the true King has come.
Christmas Isn’t Just for Them — It’s for You Too
There’s a saying: “I want to make Christmas special for them — they’re only kids once.”
That’s true… but I recently heard another mom say, “I only get to experience them like this once.” And it stuck with me.
This season isn’t just for them — it’s for us, too.
If you’re a wife and mom, the holidays can feel like balancing on a unicycle while juggling elephants. Between concerts, sports, work, parties, travel, and family expectations, it’s no wonder we feel stretched thin.
You were never meant to do it all. You were never meant to be perfect.
If we were perfect, Christmas wouldn’t need to exist. There would be no need for a Savior.
But we do need Him — and He came anyway.
He lived sinlessly so our brokenness could be mended. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). We celebrate this season because His grace covers us (Ephesians 2:9). He doesn’t ask for perfection — only for hearts turned toward Him.
The King who began His earthly life in a manger understands imperfection more than anyone.
A Final Reminder
I’m thankful God used my kids to give me a reality check this week. It reminded me to release my expectations for a flawless first Christmas in our new home.
Christmas isn’t a time for perfection.
Christmas is a time for Christ.
Until next time, friend, be blessed.
