Planning an Intentional Christmas with Stevie Ciske [replay]| Episode 129
In this [replay] episode of The Pastor Wife Life podcast, Jacque Garner chats with Stevie Ciske about how to plan an intentional and meaningful Christmas. Stevie shares tips on keeping Christ at the center, managing holiday commitments, and creating a peaceful atmosphere for family and ministry life. They discuss practical strategies like prioritizing worship, simplifying schedules, budgeting, and focusing on relationships over gift-giving. This episode is a must-listen for any pastor’s wife looking to approach the holiday season with purpose, peace, and joy.
In this episode from 2022,, I sat down with Stevie Ciske, who shared her strategies on how we can approach Christmas with intention, keeping our focus on Christ and creating meaningful experiences for our families.
The holiday season is just around the corner! For pastors’ wives and ministry leaders, it can be a busy time filled with church events, family gatherings, and everything in between. While all these traditions are special, they can sometimes leave us feeling more overwhelmed than joyful.
Start with Your Why
Stevie reminded us that it’s easy to get caught up in Christmas “to-dos” without considering why we’re doing them. Ask yourself: What do I want my family to remember about Christmas? This helps you create a vision for the season that’s rooted in joy and purpose rather than stress.
Map Out Important Dates Early
Christmas events can pile up quickly, so planning ahead is essential. Stevie suggests blocking off key dates in advance, both for church commitments and family traditions. Consider leaving some days open for spontaneous fun or restful downtime, which can prevent burnout.
Prioritize Time for Worship
It’s easy to get sidetracked with holiday tasks, but worship should always remain at the center of our celebrations. Set aside intentional time for devotionals, prayer, or special family worship nights. Stevie recommends using an Advent devotional as a guide to keep everyone focused on the meaning of the season.
Delegate and Simplify
You don’t have to do it all! Delegate tasks to family members, whether it’s decorating, cooking, or even helping with Christmas cards. Simplifying your schedule or streamlining traditions can create more room for joy and make the season more manageable.
Create a ‘Yes and No’ List
Make a list of what you’re saying yes to this season and, just as importantly, what you’re saying no to. By identifying what truly matters, you’ll find it easier to avoid overcommitting and stay aligned with your goals for a peaceful and purposeful Christmas.
Plan Your Budget
Financial stress is a common challenge during the holidays, so take time to set a budget. Prioritize experiences and gifts that align with your family’s values rather than getting caught up in excessive spending.
Focus on Presence Over Presents
Ultimately, Christmas is about relationships—our relationship with Christ and our loved ones. Instead of getting wrapped up in gift-giving, focus on making memories together, like baking cookies, singing carols, or watching your favorite Christmas movies.
Christmas doesn’t have to be a hectic or overwhelming season. By planning intentionally, we can create a holiday that’s filled with love, joy, and peace. As pastors’ wives, let’s remember to extend grace to ourselves and prioritize what truly matters.
