As the leaves turn and calendars fill, it’s easy to get swept up in the swirl of fall festivals, Thanksgiving prep, Christmas concerts, and year-end deadlines. The holiday season, rich with tradition and togetherness, can quickly become a blur of busyness. During it all, we often face a quiet tension: how do we steward our time not just for productivity, but for presence? How do we make time for what matters most?
This year, let’s choose presence over perfection, slowing down enough to savor the sacred moments tucked into the ordinary. Here are a few ways to slow down, savor togetherness, and invite God into the rhythm of your home.
As parents, spouses, and caregivers, we often underestimate the power of simply showing up for bedtime stories, shared meals, or spontaneous laughter.
Jesus modeled this beautifully. He didn’t rush past people on His way to the next miracle. He paused for people. He shared meals. He noticed the ones others overlooked. Our families need that kind of presence, too. Not distracted multitasking, but intentional connection.
This holiday season, your presence may be the most powerful ministry you offer. It’s not your perfect pie crust or Pinterest-worthy table, but your warm smile, attentive ear, and willingness to sit and stay.
“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
Try this: Set aside one evening a week for a no-devices dinner. Ask everyone to share one high and one low from their week. It doesn’t have to be fancy; it just has to be sincere.
Family time doesn’t always happen in big events. It’s often found in the margins: the car ride to the soccer game, the cookie decorating, or the spontaneous dance party in the kitchen.
But those moments only happen when we leave room for them. If every hour is scheduled, we miss the magic.
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12
Try this: Block out a few “margin hours” each week that cut out errands and obligations, allowing space to be together. Let the kids choose the activity, let the house be messy, and let the memories unfold.
The holidays are full of disruptions, be it a child’s meltdown during the pageant, a neighbor dropping by unannounced, or a snowstorm that reroutes your plans. Though inconvenient, these moments can be divine invitations.
Jesus was constantly interrupted, and He rarely saw it as a nuisance. The bleeding woman, the blind beggar, the friends lowering a man through the roof… each became a moment of mercy.
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” — Proverbs 16:9
Try this: When your plans unravel, pause and ask, “Is this a divine interruption?” You might find God waiting in the detour. Often, the most memorable moments aren’t the ones we plan, but rather the spontaneous snowball fights, laughter over burnt cookies, or quiet conversations by the fire.
Minor seasonal sniffles and viruses are inevitable, but they don’t have to derail your plans or steal your family time. How do we care for the health of our loved ones without missing the moments that matter?
Telehealth is a modern grace that helps you care for your loved ones without sacrificing connection. When your youngest wakes up feverish the night before your road trip to Grandma’s, you can schedule a quick virtual visit, grab medication from the 24-hour pharmacy, and still make it in time for cinnamon rolls and hugs. Telehealth can also save your holiday plans when a loved one is dealing with an ear infection, skin irritation, stomach ache, or realizes their prescription needs to be refilled.
“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you…” — 3 John 1:2
Try this: Bookmark your Medi-Share telehealth scheduling link and the Navitus pharmacy portal now. That way, when illness hits, you’re ready to respond quickly, and get back to the people who matter most. For more information about using telehealth through Medi-Share, visit How Medi-Share Telehealth Works and Easy Steps to Get Started.
While outreach is beautiful, this season may be more about inward hospitality, making your home a haven for your own family. Never underestimate the love that stems from cozy blankets, warm meals, and a heart of welcome that says, “This is home, you belong here.”
“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” — Acts 2:46b
Try this: Choose one night to “host” your own family. Cook something comforting, set the table, light a candle, and let everyone know: this night is for us.
Traditions don’t have to be elaborate to be meaningful. In fact, the simplest ones often stick the longest: hot cocoa after church, matching pajamas on Christmas Eve, or a walk through the neighborhood lights.
“Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” — Luke 2:19
Try this: Ask your family what traditions they love most. Then protect those moments fiercely. Don’t let the pursuit of bigger or better crowd out the joy of what’s already working.
Family time isn’t just about the present; it’s about building a shared story. Every laugh, every prayer, and every quiet moment adds a thread to the tapestry of your home.
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” — Psalm 77:11
Try this: Keep a family journal or memory jar. Invite everyone to jot down their favorite moments throughout the season. Read them aloud on New Year’s Eve and celebrate the gift of togetherness.