Here we are at the end of 2025, with cold, wintry mornings nipping at our toes and noses.
As the season unfolds, we find ourselves
– Writing out Christmas lists
– Shopping at the last minute
– Debating who will host Christmas
– Scrambling to clean the house
– Picking the perfect Christmas tree
– Untangling last year’s lights
– Planning family photos in matching pajamas
– Freezing in crowds at the Christmas parade
– Attending school Christmas programs
It gets crazy busy — and let’s face it… stressful.
In that stress, expectations begin to pile up — both the ones we place on ourselves and those we feel from others.
But what happens when we don’t meet those expectations?
We get upset.
We feel we’ve let others down.
We get mad at ourselves.
So, what would it look like to:
– Skip cleaning the house and let someone else host dinner?
– Plan family photos in October instead of December?
– Send an email update instead of buying and mailing Christmas cards?
– Use paper plates versus fine China
– leave the back of the tree bare since it sits in the corner of the room
When we shift from needing everything to be perfect to simply being present with those we love, we become more relaxed. We laugh more, connect more, and find peace in stillness.
🕊️ A few reminders when expectations feel overwhelming:
– Acknowledge your frustration and bring it to God
– Re-evaluate your expectations
– Trust in God’s sovereignty and wisdom
– Cultivate patience and gratitude
– Surrender and find your hope in Christ
God knows your heart. Pray over your frustrations.
Things won’t always go as planned — and sometimes, that opens the door to something better.
Be thankful for the resources you have.
Surrender it all to the Lord and place your hope in Him.
He is the reason for the season — so fix your eyes on Him.
Don’t let perfection rob your peace.
Messy moments often become the biggest blessings.
Enjoy the present — it truly is a gift.
The reason for this season is joy, love, giving, and peace.
I pray you find peace in the chaos.
Until next year — stay happy and healthy.
Love,
Jen