Christmas time rolls around with it’s parties and expectations and sometimes this can leave us feeling overwhelmed. In this beautiful season of new life and excitement, how do we enjoy it instead of being overwhelmed by stress?

Intentionality

What really sucks the life out of us during this season is spending money we don’t have on things which don’t mean anything. To avoid this we need to be intentional, both in who we give gifts to and the gifts we do give.

Christmas is about the people, not the gifts.

So how do we be intentional in our gift giving?

Sit Down and Make a List

This is pretty self-explanatory. To be able to keep track of your finances as well as treat the important people it is important to sit down and prioritize. A simple sheet of paper listing the names, gifts and expected expense for each person is a great way to get started!

Think About Why You are Buying the Gift

Christmas carries with it a set of expectations. Gifts become a checklist rather than an opportunity to connect with or appreciate other people.

Once you have created your list, be critical of who and what kind of gifts you are buying for other people. Are you buying gifts out of obligation or because it is expected? How can you shift this attitude so the gift is more meaningful to both of you?

Ask God What He Wants to Say to That Person

Another practical and simple way to be intentional in your gift giving this year is to ask God! What does He want to say to each person on your list?

Taking the time to listen and intentionally invest in your relationships this year will allow you space to really consider what is important to you over this holiday season!