It’s easy for Christmas to become a blur.

The decorations, the events, the shopping lists — sometimes it feels like the holiday is running us instead of us enjoying it.

When I was a younger mother, my Christmas calendar overflowed with activities. I decorated every corner of the house, spent hours in the kitchen, and stayed up late wrapping piles of presents. And yet, despite all the “festive,” I felt drained — like something was missing.

Now I see it differently. Holiday traditions are like the layers of an onion. Each layer can be fun, but peel them back and you find the core: the true meaning of Christmas — the birth of Jesus, God’s greatest gift.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” — Luke 2:11

Christmas is not about gifts under the tree, but the Gift in the manger. When we choose simplicity, we make space to treasure Christ above all else.

Less can truly be more. Simplicity at Christmas clears space for peace, joy, and Christ at the center.