Devotionals for the Heart: When you're too busy to breathe at Christmas

Too Busy to Breathe at Christmas?
A devotional by Joyce M. Averils

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”—Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Christmas is supposed to be the season of joy, peace, and hope.

But if we’re honest, many of us enter December with good intentions only to arrive at Christmas Eve feeling exhausted, frazzled, and secretly counting down the minutes until everything is over.

Between decorating, shopping, family gatherings, church events, end-of-year deadlines, meal planning, and making everything “special", Christmas can become one big swirl of stress. And while we’re running around trying to create the perfect Christmas, our joy quietly slips away.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed this Christmas season, please hear this: You are not failing. You are simply carrying more than God ever asked you to. Even in the bustle of Bethlehem, God was creating a moment of holy stillness. And He invites you into that same stillness now.

Wondering what you can do when you’re too busy to breathe this Christmas? The key is to put your priorities back at the feet of Jesus Christ. Christmas often turns us into Martha as described in the Bible (Luke 10:38-42). She was busy, distracted, and convinced everything depends on us. But Jesus gently reminds us now as He reminded Martha then that “only one thing is needed.” Mary (Martha’s sister) chose the better portion because she chose to spend time with Jesus first.

When the Christmas holiday calendar starts to run you instead of you running it, pause and realign your priorities. Here’s a way to remember this important life lesson (See the “priority” acronym with descriptions for each letter below):

P – Pray

Ask God to reveal what really matters for this season. Every December is different; your capacity this year may not match last year, and that’s okay.

R – Review

Go back to Scripture. Christmas isn’t about perfection; it’s about His presence. What does God say should anchor your life right now?

I – Inventory

Look at the activities, responsibilities, and even traditions on your calendar. Which ones bring life? Which ones drain it?

O – Order

Put things in their proper place. Some tasks are essential; others are optional. Let God show you the difference.

R – Resist

Resist the “tyranny of the urgent,” the pressure to say yes just because something is happening.

I – Input

Ask trusted friends or family: “Is this something I really need to do right now?” God often speaks through wise voices.

T – Take Advantage

Use your time intentionally. There are only 24 hours in a day (even during the busy Christmas season). Ask God to show you how to use them with purpose.

Y – Yield

Lay your plans at His feet. Christmas belongs to Him. Your life belongs to Him. Yielding brings peace.

Still not sure of what you can do when you’re too busy to breathe this Christmas? Here are a few more points to help you (see headings in bold below):

Say “No” Without Guilt – Even During the Holidays

Some of the greatest gifts you can give this Christmas are the words: “No, not this time.” Saying no isn’t selfish. It’s stewardship. God’s grace teaches us to say no to anything that pulls us away from living with peace, joy, and self-control. That includes unrealistic expectations, overwhelming commitments, and traditions that no longer bless your soul. You don’t need long explanations or apologies. A simple, “I won’t be able to do that this year,” is enough. Remember: If God didn’t assign it, He’s not requiring you to carry it.

Let Go of the Unessential

There truly is a season for everything, but not everything belongs in this season. Maybe this isn’t the year to handmake all the Christmas gifts. Maybe this isn’t the year to host every gathering. Maybe this isn’t the year to try a new recipe, decorate every room, or attend every event. Sometimes Christmas requires the courage to let go. Ask the Lord what can wait until another time. Good things are not always God-timed things. Release what no longer fits the capacity, peace, and purpose God has given you for this moment.

No matter how full your life feels right now, God has not abandoned you to busyness. If you put these principles into practice, you’ll experience more joy, more peace, and more hope than you expected.

Remember this beautiful promise: God will never put more on you than He gives you grace to carry. This Christmas, may you choose the better portion, not the perfect holiday, but the holy One who came to bring you rest, renewal, and life.

Let’s Pray: Lord, help me slow down enough to see You in this season. Show me what to release, what to rearrange, and what to embrace so my heart can rest in You. Restore my joy, renew my peace, and let my Christmas be more about Christ than the chaos. Fill me with hope as I trust in You. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I Need a Silent Night” by Amy Grant. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Joyce M. Averils is an attorney by education and a retired judge who currently works as a Life Purpose and Business Empowerment Coach. 

She attended the University of South Carolina where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities and Social Sciences, with a concentration in Political Science in May 1981. Upon graduation from the University, she attended The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, where she graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in June 1984. Joyce was admitted to the Georgia Bar in November of 1984.

During her legal career, she served as the legal advisor for an episode of the American television program “Designing Women”. She also successfully argued a zoning case before the Georgia Supreme Court.

Today, she is the founder of Averils Omnimedia, LLC, which includes Her RICH Life Coaching, where she helps high-achieving women of faith create a purpose-aligned life and business through coaching programs, workshops, and retreats.

She recently launched 26th & Alden Paper Design House which will release its first paper product in 2025.

Joyce believes that God created women to do extraordinary things by walking fully in their purpose, calling, and assignment. She knows that each woman has a unique calling that only she can fulfill, and if she doesn’t answer it, that work may never be done. Joyce is deeply aware that there are people waiting for the help only God can give, and He often chooses to work through His people to meet those needs. That’s why Joyce is committed to answering God’s call on her life and inspiring other women to do the same, so together, we can be of greater service to God and one another.

Her life verse is John 17:4 (NIV), “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.”

She makes her home on the coast of South Carolina.

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Connect with Joyce:
Website: www.herrichlife.com
Facebook Ministry: www.facebook.com/groups/thepurposealignedwoman
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/coachlabforaspiringchristianwomencoaches
Facebook: www.facebook.com/@HerRichLife
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herrichlife
Email address: joyce@herrichlife.com