Christmas Break is for Moms Too
Too often, the Christmas season starts to feel like an overwhelming amount of work for moms. For many of us, there are decorations to put up, presents to purchase or make, school activities to help with, meals to prepare, travel arrangements to plan, and—in the midst of it all—Advent to (hopefully) attend to.
But what if instead of working to make Christmas “happen” for ourselves and our families this year—what if we played? What if we took our own kind of break and set down the culture-induced pressure to strive for a perfect Christmas? Then, we could focus on the true play of Christmastime: delighting in and celebrating the gift that has already been given to us in the form of the Christ child who came as a baby.
As mothers, we have the choice this season to take a break from the world’s expectations and focus on playing during Advent, rather than working. That’s not to say that there won’t be work involved this year—no matter the season, motherhood is full of good and holy work. But there are ways that we can attend to the season of Advent with an attitude of playfulness and rest that has the opportunity to encourage our souls.
This Christmas, let’s seek to enable our souls to benefit from play in the truest sense: the intentional enjoyment of God and his good gifts. Why? Here are three reasons:
1. Play connects us to God.
Playing is inherent to how God made us—he created us to enjoy the world he's set us in, and to rejoice in who he is through his creation and character.[1] As we take time to play during Christmastime, our hearts can connect to God's presence as we aim to enjoy the life we already have rather than trying to control or manipulate the things that we cannot control. This is perhaps especially important during Advent, when we may need to give up the culture’s view of Christmas (getting more stuff) in order to embrace the simple humility of the season—a child in a manger.[2]
So how can we play this Advent with the intention of connecting to God? In endless ways! Tromp into nature with your kids to enjoy the beauty of crystalline snow or the sunlight that filters through bare tree branches, delighting in the One through whom it was all made. Turn on Christmas music that draws your heart to the Lord and sing along at the top of your lungs. Write poetry that considers the beauty of the Christ child, or make a Christmas craft simply for the joy of it (and don’t worry about posting it to social media). Enjoy the Creator who gives good gifts and thank him for all that he has given.
2. Play connects us to our spouse and friends.
Friendship is a rich gift given to us by the Lord, and as we play together, we often come to know each other and Christ in deeper ways as we experience his love through others. How many rich conversations happen around bonfires and on hikes because we have taken time to play with our family and friends? But in busy seasons, carving out time to play doesn’t come naturally to most of us; we have to intentionally create space for playfulness to happen. When we slow down long enough to do that, we will help to “stir up one another to love and good works” that comes through rich friendship (Heb. 10:24).
And Christmastime is an especially sweet time to enjoy the playfulness of being together—in ways that don’t require lots of money. Many of us may experience limited resources this year, so instead of purchasing tangible things, consider investing in experiences with your loved ones that can foster playfulness and connection. Order takeout from a new restaurant you’ve wanted to try, and gather around a table lit with candles and smiles. Play board games with friends, together or virtually. If you can, spend an overnight with your spouse away from home in order to reconnect and laugh together.
3. Play connects us to our children.
Our children know the value of “playtime” inherently—play is necessary for the development of their bodies, minds, and souls. That’s why we often think that playing is for our children, but one of the great gifts of motherhood is the opportunity to really play—again—because our children want us to join them. And playing with our children creates opportunities for conversation and heart connection that don't happen any other way.
So, this Advent, let’s take time to intentionally play with our children! Let’s bake Christmas cookies and enjoy making a mess with them rather than focusing on creating a beautiful final product. Let’s pull out a nativity set and re-create the Christmas story together. Let’s offer to take them caroling. And let us ask our children how they want to enjoy the good gifts that Christ has given to us together this year—we might be surprised at what they want to focus on!
No matter how we choose to play this Advent season, we can remember that the ultimate goal is to connect with the Lord and with those we love. When we take a break from cultural expectations and rest in Christ as we play with our family and friends, we will experience the best treasure of Christmastime—remembering and worshiping Emmanuel, and celebrating all that we have through Christ!
[1] Psalm 19:1
[2] Luke 2
