Hiya, Psalm Mom. It's that time of the year: the holiday season. That sweet and cherished time when your calendar looks like a jigsaw puzzle, your kitchen counter is covered in pots and pans you only use once or twice a year, your phone is full of to-do lists, and your group chats are blowing up with phrases like, “Who’s bringing the green bean casserole?” and “Don’t forget the holiday boutique at the kids' school!” But let's not forget the reason for the season.
If you’re anything like us, the sheer volume of stuff this season brings can make you want to hibernate until New Year’s Day. But guess what? That’s not exactly what this time of year is about. Yes, traditions are wonderful. Yes, dinners are delightful (if someone else is cooking). But when you’re busy juggling it all, mama, you might just miss what matters most—your family, your friends, and your faith.
Let’s take a little detour off the Crazy Holiday Express and remind ourselves what’s actually worth savoring.
Why Are We Rushing Again?
Remember the story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38–42? Martha was buzzing around, playing the perfect hostess, while Mary parked herself at Jesus' feet and soaked in His words. Poor Martha finally snapped and told Jesus to tell Mary to help her. But Jesus replied, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41–42, NIV).
Sound familiar? It’s easy to get so caught up in the doing that we forget the being.
Here’s the kicker: nobody is going to remember the perfectly folded napkins or the Pinterest-worthy centerpiece on your holiday table. But your kids will remember if you snapped at them for “helping” with the cookie dough or if you skipped bedtime stories because you “had too much to do.”
Your To-Do List Will Survive If You Take a Minute
When was the last time you just sat and breathed during this season? Not the sigh-you-make-when-you’re-about-to-lose-it kind of breath, but the inhale-exhale-and-remember-you’re-human kind.
Even Jesus, the King of Kings, the Savior of the World, took time to rest. Mark 6:31 reminds us that He told His disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” If He needed downtime, trust me, so do you.
So here’s the challenge: Pause. Put the spatula down. Step away from the Amazon cart. Light a candle, sit by your Christmas tree, and let the silence remind you why you’re doing all this in the first place. Spoiler alert: It’s not to win Holiday Hostess of the Year.
Savoring the Moments That Matter
You know those fleeting moments that sneak up on you and make your heart feel full? Like when your kiddo sings “Silent Night” (horribly off-key but so adorably earnest), or when your spouse sneaks a smooch under the mistletoe? Those are the treasures of this time of year and remembering the reason for the season.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” This season is for reflection, connection, and slowing down enough to savor the little things. Those are the moments that fill your cup, not the ones where you’re frantically hunting for tape at 11 PM to wrap yet another present.
Let’s wrap this up (pun intended) with a prayer. Not one of those perfectly polished, church-appropriate prayers, but the kind of real talk we need to employ more often.
Let's pray together:
Dear Jesus,It’s me—your slightly frazzled, trying-my-best-but-kind-of-losing-it daughter. Thank You for this season and for the people You’ve placed in my life to love. But Lord, You know me. You see my endless to-do list, my messy kitchen, and my overwhelmed heart. Help me to breathe.
Remind me that this season isn’t about perfection but about presence. Give me the wisdom to say no to what doesn’t matter and yes to what does. Let me laugh more, love deeper, and savor the moments You’ve blessed me with. And if I burn the rolls on Christmas Day, let me remember it’s okay because nobody’s here for the bread anyway.
In Your precious name, Amen.
Mama, you’ve got this. This holiday season, ditch the hustle. Lean into your family, your friends, and your faith. Breathe. Laugh. Reflect. And if all else fails, remember: Jesus was born in a barn, so nobody’s judging your house!
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