There’s something about the Christmas season that flicks on a light inside all of us. Maybe it’s the glow from the tree, the smell of something good simmering in the kitchen, or simply the feeling that — for a few precious weeks — we slow down just enough to remember what really matters. This year, I’m sharing my Christmas blog early in hopes it makes your Christmas season a little brighter. We do an early weekend with the kids and grandkids every year, so this weekend (12th-14th), we will host Christmas with CeCe and Pops.
I’ve learned over the years that Christmas doesn’t arrive in the perfect moments; it shows up in the real ones. You know, the ones where the dog christens the Christmas tree or eats the ribbon, the grandkids are arguing about who opens the first present, we run to the grocery store for that one last item, or Cece is giving me that look that says, “Joey, bless your heart, but that gift is definitely going back.”
Yes, friends, it’s Christmas again.
Don’t Lose the Blessing in the Busy
Every December, I tell myself I’m going to stay calm, stay grateful, and stay focused on the reason for the season. And every December, the hustle sneaks in through the back door — shopping lists, travel, family logistics, and the pressure to make everything “just right.”
But I’m learning something:
The stress doesn’t come from the season.
It comes from the expectations we stack on top of it.
This year, I finally caught myself drifting into the “busy tornado” again. And do you know what pulled me right back?
A simple moment.
One of the grandkids mentioned that they couldn’t wait until we were all together for Christmas. And just like that, I felt the blessing of Christmas come rushing back in. Suddenly, the meal plan didn’t matter. The imperfect gift didn’t matter. The undone tasks didn’t matter.
A New Lesson Wrapped in Old Truths
As I reflect on the year, I’m reminded once again how important it is to slow down long enough to see the gifts right in front of us. Not the ones we bought. The ones we almost missed.
- The unexpected call from someone who just wanted to say hello
- The friend who reached out to say how much you meant to them
- The child who asked a simple question that reset your heart
- The joy that shows up when we choose to give more than we get
Christmas has a way of reminding us that significance is never loud. It’s steady. It’s present. It’s love showing up without needing to be perfect.
Rediscover the Gift
This year, I’m choosing to unwrap Christmas slowly. To embrace the imperfections. To laugh at the mishaps (especially the ones I cause, CeCe keeps a list). To worry less about getting it right and more about getting it real.
And above all, to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ — our ultimate reminder that hope enters the world quietly, humbly, and at exactly the right time.
So, dear friends, here’s my Christmas encouragement for you:
Unwrap the gifts that don’t fit under the tree.
The time together.
The shared stories.
The memories we’ll laugh about for years.
The love God pours into our hearts so generously.
Let’s be the light in the room this Christmas — the one that shines not because everything is perfect, but because we choose joy, gratitude, and grace.
What Will You Remember This Christmas?
Every year, I love asking this question:
What will be the memory you carry forward from this season?
Not the one you planned — the one that surprised you.
For me, I hope it’s that moment when a grandchild reminds me, once again, of the true wonder of Christmas.
And from our family to yours, may your Christmas be filled with warmth, joy, laughter, and a deep sense of God’s love. May the year ahead be bright with hope and significance.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
From CeCe, Pops, and the whole Havens crew
