Your Stress-Free Guide to Advent

Advent? You mean stress-free guide to the HOLIDAYS, right? No, my friends. This blog ain’t about deciding which holiday party to go to, or which toy to buy your kid. No, we go back to basics here, and that means advent. 

Advent is a tradition grounded in anticipation. Remember that? In today’s world of two-day Prime shipping, it’s hard to. Even the luster of Christmas has fallen away for even the most dedicated consumerist. Put simply, we have more than we need most of the time. So what of advent? Put simply, reconnecting with the need for a savior in our lives, and rejoicing in that good news. But it’s hard, because . . . life, ya’ll! So here are some methods for peeling away the nonsense to reconnect with the “reason for the season.”

1. Go on a Stillness Diet

Have the radio on when you get ready? What about in the car? Maybe when you’re making dinner or helping your kid with their homework. Turn it off, all of it. Anything external, even music or a muted television (guilty). Why? You are God’s beautiful creation, and every moment in your life is a gift. Everything is significant to God’s plan for you, even that lady that just cut in line at Target (why I outta!!). Putting yourself back int the driver’s seat allows you to live in an awakened state. Don’t fall prey to numbing everyday activities away. They are an opportunity to realize your great gift, being here . . .  NOW! It’s easier said than done, but try it out. You may find it intriguing how often you look for distractions (i.e. your phone) instead of embracing the moment.

2. Try Monotasking

Do one thing at a time. If you want to listen to a podcast, sit down and listen to one. Cut down on the number of things you do at once. If you’re a mom, I can FEEL you rolling your eyes. “How can I get anything DONE?” Well, what is the quality of what you are getting done, I’d ask. And further, is life one big checklist? I’ll answer that rhetorical question, no it’s not. Try unloading the dishwasher one glorious plate at a time. My trick is pretending I’m doing it at someone else’s house (someone who owns fine china). There is something to be said for moving calmly and with intention. And if you don’t have the time for it, put it aside when you do (or better yet, have your kid do it!). You’ll model good behavior, and you’ll feel better. 

3. Use an Advent Devotional

There are many advent devotionals you can find on the internet. The one I’m using is by John Piper. I’ll be straight honest, I looked for a slim volume, knowing I’d only have a few minutes each day. The goal is, go for what you can accomplish, instead of setting yourself up for failure. Connecting yourself with a daily countdown places you firmly in that Gospel mindset, “news of great joy!” The goal is to be joyful as you read the story of our savior, moving closer each day to the coming of Christ. 

You have all of December to shop online, but there is no time like the present to bring you back to why we are here in the first place. Love. Happy Advent season!