Christmas is finally here—twinkling lights, our favorite carols, and yes, a packed to-do list. It’s called “the most wonderful time of the year,” but if we’re honest, it can feel like the most overwhelming. Between gift shopping, family dynamics, financial worries, and the feeling that the season depends on you, Christmas can turn into a perfect storm of stress, anxiety, and pressure. 

But what if this year, we could let go of that weight? 

Grab some cocoa and let’s find out how to lean into a joyful and peaceful Christmas season without being overwhelmed.

Does the calendar look like a tangled set of Christmas lights? Take a deep breath. It’s okay to admit when we’re feeling stressed. Pretending everything is fine only adds to the mounting pressure.

Even Jesus, in His humanity, experienced overwhelming emotions. In Matthew 26:38, He said to His disciples, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death.” If the Son of God acknowledged His struggles, so can we.

What does this mean for us? We don’t have to stay stuck in the stress. Philippians 4:6 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” 

Here’s the secret: gratitude changes our perspective. Instead of stressing over what isn’t perfect, thank God for what’s good. 

That full schedule? It’s a sign of loved ones in our life. Gratitude won’t completely erase stress right away, but it does transform it.

The first Christmas wasn’t extravagant. No fancy wrapping paper. No Pinterest-perfect table settings. Just a manger, a newborn baby, and the miracle of God with us. Luke 2:7 paints the picture, “She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

The simplicity speaks volumes. What if we followed this example? That could mean scaling back on decorations or skipping an event that doesn’t truly mean much to the family. 

Instead of chasing perfection, focus on what matters most – relationships, generosity, and worship for the greatest gift we’ve ever received. Simplifying our expectations can ease all that pressure and help us experience the true joy wrapped up in this season.

Let’s be real, many of our stressors come from trying to control every outcome, fix every problem, and make everything perfect. It’s exhausting! The good news? We don’t have to carry it all!  Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path.”

Trusting God doesn’t mean everything will go according to our plan. It means surrendering to His plan. Surrender isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a step toward strength. 

This Christmas, instead of holding onto worry, write down one thing that’s been weighing you down. Then pray, “God, I trust You with this.”  You might be surprised at the peace that follows.

If there’s one thing we can all relate to, it’s how easy it is to neglect self-care during the Christmas season. That’s why Jesus, the Savior of the world, modeled the importance of rest. 

In Mark 6:31, He told His disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” If Jesus made rest a priority, so should we.

Rest doesn’t have to mean a full day of nothing. Even five minutes of quiet with a cup of coffee, a brisk walk, or a few deep breaths can reset the day. Add in practical steps like eating well (even when those Christmas treats are calling out to us from the kitchen), staying hydrated, and adding soul care – spending time in prayer, reading the Bible, or listening to worship music. 

Sometimes the best gift we can give our family (and ourselves) is a rested, refreshed version of ourselves.

Stress tries to isolate us, but we were never meant to carry burdens on our own. It’s one of the reasons God said it wasn’t good for man to be alone. He created us to be in community. Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Whether it’s asking for help with Christmas prep or sharing our struggles with a trusted friend, leaning on others can lighten the load of stress and anxiety. 

One of the fastest ways to feel lighter is to shift our focus outward. We can be that person that reaches out to lighten the burden of a friend. Acts 20:35 reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” And giving doesn’t have to mean extravagant and expensive gifts. Baking cookies for a neighbor or surprising someone with a handwritten note can be a small gift that brings joy to others and renews our spirit in the process.

(Don’t know where to start looking for a fun, family-focused community? Start here this Christmas)

Trying to make everything just right? You’re not alone! Perfectionism is one of the biggest sources of stress this season. But the good news of Christmas is that God sent Jesus because we aren’t perfect … and we don’t have to be! Christmas isn’t about our perfection, but His.

Romans 5:8 assures us, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

When we’re tempted to overdo it, we can remind ourselves that our worth isn’t tied to how perfectly we pull off Christmas or how many gifts each person gets. Our value is found in Christ and His grace covers our imperfections. Christmas isn’t perfect. It’s personal, and that’s what makes it beautiful.

Nothing lifts a heavy heart quite like worship. When the shepherds heard the good news of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:20, their first response was worship, “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen.” 

Worship shifts our perspective from stress and worry to notice God’s power. Whether it’s singing our favorite Christmas carol, listening to a worship playlist, or simply thanking God for His blessings, worship can bring peace to our heart.

The world offers temporary solutions to stress, but only Jesus offers a peace that doesn’t depend on circumstances. In John 14:27, He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

This peace isn’t about the absence of problems. It’s about the presence of Jesus. When we invite Him into our struggles, He replaces anxiety with assurance and stress with serenity.

That peace is a gift we can unwrap every day. It’s found in His presence, His promises, and His love for us. 

He loved us so much that He gave us everything! Let that steady you, calm you, and carry you through the season

This Christmas, we don’t have to have it all together. Don’t let stress, anxiety, or pressure steal the joy of the season. Remember that the same God who orchestrated the miracle of Christ’s birth is with you now, offering peace that is beyond your understanding (Philippians 4:7).

He came for us, just as we are—busy, overwhelmed, and maybe a little tired. And He offers us His peace, His joy, and His strength.

So, this year, take the pressure off. We can simplify where we can, trust God with the rest, and focus on the moments that matter. The gift of Christmas isn’t in what we do. It’s in what He’s already done.

By leaning into these biblical principles, we can overcome the holiday hustle and embrace the peace and joy God intended for this season.