3 Ways To Change It Up Without Overwhelming Yourself This Christmas

Every year, Christmas rolls around and you tell yourself, “This year is going to be special.” Why change it up? It’s because you know this season has significance. It’s important for people to gather, worship and go deeper.  BUT:

• Things get crazy
• You lose all margin
• You go back to the same old game plan
• And it’s over

If you're looking to change it up without losing your mind, don’t stress out, there are options. This season instead of scrambling to find something BIG and NEW, consider:

Making It The Season Of Borrowing

Look at your friends in youth ministry who do a really good job of making it a meaningful time for their students. Then, borrow from them. Take what works from what they do and adapt it to what you do. By borrowing, you free up your schedule and you give students a new voice/perspective. 

Where should you go to outsource? You can start by looking here at all the Christmas ideas youthministry360 has. You can connect with fellow youth workers in your area. Or check out any number of the great youth ministry Facebook groups.

Planning The Christmas Party After Christmas

There is pressure to throw your volunteers or teens a Christmas party. While it’s a great idea, it can always feel like a competition for the calendar. Your teens are busy, and their parents are even busier.

Your volunteers are just as busy. Between Christmas shopping and other events, they just might not have the time. Well, the good news is you can wait. Technically the Christmas season doesn't end on December 25th.

Plan your party after the holiday (Even after New Year’s).  During that time people are a little more focused and calm. No one is running to the store for last-minute shopping. People will be thankful for the margin.

Keeping It Simple

Again, everyone is busy and the last thing you want to do is put together a complex program.  Maybe outsourcing is too much.  Instead of planning a message and putting together a slew of activities, consider:

• Planning a quiet prayer service.  Just play music, put out some paper and pens.  Let the teens reflect and be still.  
• Reflect on Scripture. Read the Nativity story (or watch a movie) and just have casual sharing afterwards.
• Shortening the length of activities and increasing casual fellowship time. Christmas is relational. Let your teens and adults just hang out.

Simplifying will give you margin.  Take advantage and use it to get yourself ready for the New Year. 

Change up this season so that you can breathe, take in the holiday cheer and truly prepare for Christmas.

Not only will you be able to enjoy the season but give yourself a head start for the next year.

This article was originally published on December 8, 2015.