There is something truly magical about the holiday season - the kindness, the joy, the love, and cheer. But there’s also a rushed pace and stressful burden to do it all - to be everywhere, participate in every activity, and buy everything.

How did we get to this mindset and urge to do it all? How do we purposefully get back to focusing on what matters most? We as women, mothers, and homemakers have the ability to create atmospheres at home that allow us to truly live in awe instead of the stressful, fast-paced speed this world claims we should be living.

Homemaking is defined as caring for the home to make it a pleasant place for everyone. Each day, each one of us has the opportunity to thrive at homemaking. As women, we have the ability to create not only the aesthetic of the home, but the full atmosphere. We're the thermostat; making us the first step of work to creating an enjoyable experience for the holidays.

This doesn’t mean we need to strive to make our homes magical lands of Pinterest-worthy images. Nor does it mean we need to fill our calendars with activities to create memories. What we should focus on is how to make the season pleasant for everyone.

Do you have certain moments from previous holidays you know cause tension? Is it hanging Christmas lights or picking out a tree? Is it that cinnamon scented candle everyone hates? As much as we love to hold on to traditions that were magical in our homes as children, it doesn’t mean they will continue to be magical for your family. This can be a great way for open conversations and the beginning of new traditions in your home.

“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:7-11, English Standard Version)

We know that Christmas is about the greatest gift of all. Focusing on Jesus and allowing the Holy Spirit to fill our homes can give us more freedom from the worldly pressures.

Figure out your top five activities and stick with those. We don’t have to put pressure on ourselves to do everything. Our kids are not missing out on things if we decide to stay home for a simple night with family. Activities outside the home, inside the home, and margin for living the holidays in awe sound like an awesome plan.

Balance and boundaries are life-saving.

We do not have to buy hundreds of gifts, we can find ways to create things from scratch and teach our children the joy of giving and serving others. What a wonderful time of the year to start a new tradition of our families helping others. What a wonderful time of the year to focus on being in awe of the blessings around us.

As homemakers and followers of Christ, it’s our responsibility to create a home environment our families can thrive in. All of us will thrive more when we focus on the real celebration and continue to live in awe of this wonderful gift.

Seeing Christmas lights through the eyes of children reminds us of the awe we once had. The magic of lights and music and how everyone does seem a little more cheerful, it’s awe. We can figure out how to bring the same awe into our home and into our holiday celebration. We can be intentional about our families living in awe throughout the holidays.

Creating Awe Within the Home