Finding Margin This Christmas

Amid the tinsel, wrapping, pageants, cooking, shopping, and decorating… how do we make space for our souls this Christmas?

In 2009, we had just moved into a new house and started at a new church. Boxes—the unwrapped kind—were everywhere. The tree was up, but not much else. Suddenly it was December 23rd, and we were scrambling for last-minute gifts. That year, it felt like Christmas passed me by. I remember telling myself, never again. The next season, I slowed down, paid attention, and—to my own surprise—developed a Christmas-movie obsession.

So does Christmas actually become less magical as we get older? Or do we just stop tuning in? (These days, I relate more to the parents in Home Alone than to Kevin.) Slowing down to be present isn’t easy. Every time I clear the calendar, something new manages to sneak in.

But our souls need margin—room to breathe, expand, connect, give, and experience the wonder of Christ’s coming.

Here are four simple ways to create margin this Christmas season:

1. Trade Expectations for Intentions

We feel the weight of making Christmas magical, but most of that pressure comes from imagined expectations.
Try this: Name the one or two things that matter most to your family this year—time with grandparents, one fun outing, a simple Advent rhythm. Let the rest be optional.
Margin grows when expectations shrink.

2. Put “Nothing” on the Calendar

You block meetings at work—do it for your soul too.
Try this: Pick two nights a week in December where nothing gets scheduled. No practices, no errands, no outings. Use those evenings for slow dinners, early bedtimes, or quiet moments.
The absence of activity becomes space for depth.

3. Lower the Volume of Inputs

4. Choose One Simple Spiritual Practice

Make space to connect with God, but keep it simple and doable.
Pick one:

Consistency—not intensity—creates depth.

My prayer is that this Christmas, margin makes room for meaning—and that you feel the nearness of Jesus in the middle of it all.