3 Daily Practices to Keep Christ at the Centre of the Holidays

The holiday season is a time filled with festive activities, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. Yet, for many of us, it can also become a whirlwind of chaos, where our calendars are overflowing and our hearts feel anything but peaceful.

 When life gets hectic, it’s easy to let our focus on Christ — the true reason for the season — slip away.

But keeping Christ at the centre of the holidays doesn’t have to be complicated. With intentionality and a few simple practices, you can experience the joy and peace of the season while growing closer to God.

Here are three daily practices to help you stay grounded in your faith and connected to Christ during this busy time.

1. Begin Each Day with Prayer and Scripture

Starting your day with God sets the tone for everything else. Before diving into your to-do list, take time to pray and reflect on His Word.

Even just a few quiet moments in the morning can bring clarity and peace, helping you navigate the day with a heart aligned to God’s will.

Jesus Himself modelled this practice, often retreating to pray before beginning His work: “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” - Luke 5:16.

Begin by thanking God for the gift of a new day and asking Him to guide your thoughts and actions. You can also reflect on Scripture that reminds you of His presence and the true meaning of the season.

For example, Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Let this promise anchor you as you navigate the busyness of the holidays.

If time allows, consider reading an Advent devotional or working through a Bible reading plan. These resources can help you focus on Christ’s birth and the hope He brings to the world.

2. Practice Intentional Gratitude

The holidays often come with a long list of things to do, buy, and prepare, which can lead to stress and distraction.

One powerful way to combat this is by cultivating a heart of gratitude.

When we take time to thank God for His blessings, big and small, it shifts our perspective and reminds us of His goodness.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 encourages us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring life’s challenges; it’s about recognising God’s presence and provision, even in the midst of them.

Consider starting a gratitude journal this season. Each day, write down three things you’re thankful for. These could be moments of connection with loved ones, the beauty of twinkling lights, or even the gift of a quiet evening.

As you reflect on these blessings, you will find that your heart begins to rest in the peace and joy that only God can provide.

3.Create Space for Worship and Reflection

It’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, but setting aside intentional time to worship and reflect can help you stay focused on what truly matters.

Worship doesn’t have to happen only in a church setting — it can be as simple as singing a favourite Christmas hymn, reading the nativity story, or meditating on God’s love.

Psalm 46:10 invites us to “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Stillness can be a powerful antidote to the chaos of the season. Take a few minutes each day to pause, breathe deeply, and reflect on God’s faithfulness.

This time of quiet can become a sacred space where you reconnect with Him and realign your heart to His purposes.

If you have children or family members, consider creating a tradition of reading Scripture or lighting Advent candles together. These moments of shared worship can deepen your relationships and remind everyone in your home of the significance of Christ’s birth.

Keeping Christ at the Centre

Staying focused on Christ during the holidays doesn’t mean you have to abandon your traditions or say no to every invitation. It’s about weaving Him into every aspect of the season — your planning, your gatherings, and even your moments of rest.

When Christ is at the centre, the other pieces of the holiday puzzle begin to fall into place with greater clarity and purpose.

Matthew 6:33 reminds us, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” When we prioritise our relationship with God, He equips us to handle the demands of the season with grace and wisdom.

A Prayer to Stay Focused on Christ

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, and for the joy and hope we celebrate this season. In the midst of holiday busyness, help me to keep my focus on You.

Teach me to begin each day with prayer, to cultivate gratitude, and to find stillness in Your presence. Let my heart be filled with the peace that comes from knowing You.

Guide my steps and help me to reflect Your love to those around me. Thank You for being with me in every moment. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This holiday season, make it your goal to keep Christ at the centre of all you do.

By starting your day with prayer, practicing gratitude, and creating space for worship, you can experience a deeper sense of peace and joy — no matter how busy life gets.

Remember, the holidays are not about perfection or productivity; they are about celebrating the One who came to bring us hope, love, and salvation. May your heart be filled with His presence this season and always.