It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Sometimes we host parties, toast with marshmallows, and carol in the snow. There will be lots of mistletoe flying around, and your heart will be filled with memories of Christmases long gone. Oh, the kids will be ringing jingle bells and telling everyone to cheer up. According to Andy Williams, “This is the happiest season of all!”
Oh, don’t you think it’s truly blissful? A dreamlike side of Christmas. Let’s be honest, this is what every mother wants. We wish our children a magical time as they strive to create lifelong memories they will cherish forever. It doesn’t matter what we do. We may keep it simple or pile on every activity imaginable, but the mission is always the same – to bring joy.
Have you noticed how this actually happens? When we diligently prepare, plan, and look forward to every activity, event, and even just a sweet gesture, with our focus on Christ; It is possible to be drawn into the inherent romanticism of this Christmas. Our hearts may be in the right place, but we often miss the basics. We teach messy little humans about the beautiful and perfect message of Christ.
Dear mom friends, we must realize that the moment we start planning memorable activities that allow families to bond and enjoy the joy of the season, the enemy will do everything in his power to invade. yeah. Hmm! For example… one minute you’re preparing for the Nativity, and the next you’re having an argument break out over the lyrics to a Christmas song. To end this debate, it’s “Jack Frost is picking his nose, not his toes!” Sigh.
Regardless, all good plans and thoughtful intentions come to a screeching halt with a single word, look, or action, escalating small domestic tensions and igniting the spark of a sibling rift. Hmm. At that point, you’re humming the Bing Crosby song in your mind and really understanding why he added the line, “Mom and Dad can’t wait for school to start again!” I am convinced.
Huh! Especially at this time of year, sibling rivalry can put a damper on things. It is a time that encourages gathering with family in love, joy, and peace.
So, do we have an answer to how we can quell the chaos and restore some semblance of calm to the crazy people in the name of peace?
yes! Let’s see what God’s Word says. Better yet, let us try to understand what God really wants for us this Christmas, even if things are not going well with our precious children. The answer may surprise you!
keep sharing messages of love
As excited as we are to experience this season with our kids, we have to keep in mind that our kids are probably 100 times more excited than we are. . When we try to think like our own children, we can see things from a different perspective and find that the excitement can evoke different emotions. In other words, dizziness can quickly mix with righteousness, and cheerfulness can be sprinkled with jealousy. And when kids (or teens, for that matter) are hungry, tired, and their holiday plans are off, you add another factor to the mix, creating a wave of grumbling and complaining. I should also mention that it can easily come and go. between brothers.
Although it is very difficult to stay calm and patient at times, we can all do our best to continue to send a loud and clear message to our children by sharing messages of love with our actions and words. Masu. Proverbs 15:1 A calm answer will teach you to keep anger away. 1 Corinthians 13 It tells you how love is patient, kind, and rejoices in the truth.meanwhile 1 Peter 3:8 It teaches us that love covers great sins.
The bottom line is that our reactions (or lack thereof) are a way to foster love and promote peace. We may change schedules to provide more rest or accommodate specific needs to avoid conflicts. Also, watch out for simple statements like “(your last name +) indicates love.” Are you showing affection? ” or, “I won’t talk to you until you both have calmed down, but I love you both” goes a long way.
Cultivate a servant heart
The Christmas season is meant to inspire us to serve and love others, but how many times have we found that when we try to cultivate this skill in our children’s hearts, greed becomes ingrained? You must have experienced it. Yes, that’s understandable. We’ve been there once or twice.
Encouraging children to serve others is not an easy task. And since we’re on track to be brutally honest here, I’d venture to say that it’s even harder for children to serve each other. The truth of the matter is that they love and enjoy serving others in their community and may feel benefit because it gives them pride in helping. But let’s just say it’s a little too real when it comes to serving families.
But to combat sibling rivalry, it all starts with service, and we look to Jesus as the perfect model. As we share stories of how Jesus loved and served others wholeheartedly, we give our children a glimpse of God’s beautiful humility and character. Share the story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples (john 13). Then see if they are bold enough to mirror this (or do something special) for their own brothers and sisters. Giveaways will be doubled!
Embrace imperfection
Well, we have to go back to the fact that as mothers, we strive to make Christmas this wonderful and beautiful time of the year for our families. To be honest, it makes sense. But can I share a little secret with you? My grandmother once told me something that still sticks with me every time I get caught up in the wrong things during the Christmas season, and it keeps me striving for perfection.
Have realistic expectations. that’s it!
Managing our expectations is all part of making the magic happen while including those pesky little humans in it. Need some more guidance on what that looks like? Well, before my grandmother passed away (my oldest two were 4 and 1 at the time), I was just overwhelmed with the amount of Christmas to-do lists. (I was overwhelmed), here’s a little bit of my grandmother’s wisdom that I’m sharing with you!
1. Make time to be alone. Just be quiet, be quiet, and pray.
2. Create healthy boundaries with family and friends. It’s okay to say “no.”
3. Find joy in the simple things, like the tender and unexpected moments.
We can easily get so focused on what went wrong and the arguments that followed that we simply miss the beauty of the good moments. The next time your kids hug each other, play a nativity scene together, or just get along, tell them how proud you are of them showing love.
Give the gift of forgiveness
Christmas gives us much hope and encouragement, and implores us to rejoice and celebrate the many miracles that took place in the manger more than 2,000 years ago. It also opens the doors of our hearts and allows us to easily spread God’s love and forgive past hurts. Have you ever noticed how easy it is to be equipped to meet families in need or trouble for Christmas? Christ first loved us. How quickly can we remember this and put aside our differences and lend a helping hand? How can you soften your heart a little and easily welcome family and friends you don’t usually see into your home?
Grace and forgiveness seem to flow a little easier during this time. Our children can see and feel it too. So understand that while tensions may rise in your home, they can just as quickly dissipate if you extend your reprieve by giving them a little space. When people want to pick a fight, give them space to search their hearts and find the grace to forgive. While we may want to jump right in and “fix the problem” for them, we must learn the art of stepping back, pausing, and praying for God to work in their hearts. not.
This season is full of awe and wonder, but every mom’s heart fills with pride when she looks at her little ones and sees them happily playing together under the Christmas tree. (Take advantage of that idea.) Because just in case that doesn’t happen, kids will fuss and fight and everything will seem to fall apart, thankfully we don’t have to deal with the mess. I have a perfect father who loves me no matter what.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/AntonioGuillem
Alicia Searle She is a godly author, blogger, and speaker who is passionate about pouring out her heart and leading women of all ages to Jesus. She has an academic background and holds a master’s degree in reading and writing. Her loved ones call her Mama. So much of her time is spent cheering them on at softball games and dance classes. She’s married to the man of her dreams (a tall, spiky-haired blonde) who can make mean lattes. She writes her heart on the page while sipping on her deliciousness while her pup licks her paws.Visit her website aliciaar.com Connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.