81. Pausing to prepare for an Intentional and Joyful Christmas - an Interview

This week, we’re doing something new—our very first interview! I’m joined by Kelly, who recently led a workshop on cultivating an intentional and joyful Christmas season. Together, we explore practical ways to prepare for Christmas with peace and purpose, from choosing commitments and setting budgets to creating traditions that truly matter. We also talk about showing goodwill to others—and to ourselves—during this busy time. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the holidays, this conversation will help you slow down, reflect, and make space for what matters most: celebrating Jesus.

You can connect with Sarah on Instagram: inthedustpodcast

You can connect with Kelly kellycoopercoaching.com, and on Facebook and Instagram Kelly Cooper CoachingReflection Questions:

CHRISTMAS

What feelings does the word ‘Christmas’ evoke for you? What emotions do you experience?

Where do you feel them in your body?

What thoughts come to mind?

CHRISTMASES PAST

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the Christmases you’ve enjoyed the most in the past. What made those times feel special? Was it the company, the activities, the pace, the expectations or the traditions?

#1 CHRISTMAS IS A SEASON, NOT A DAY

Choose Your Commitments

What events or activities do you choose to say ‘yes’ to this year?

What events or activities do you choose to say ‘no’ to this year?

Choose Your Budget

Almost nothing is more stressful at Christmas than money. What is realistic and manageable for you this year?

Consider – Who do you want to give gifts to this year? Who do you feel obliged to give a gift to> Is there a way of celebrating without gifts? How can you be creative with your gift giving?

What do you need to communicate with others about your budget boundaries to manage expectations?

#2 GOODWILL

Choose Your People and Parameters

What choices are you going to make about how you will celebrate the Christmas season? Who do you want to spend time with? On which days? Remember – It is okay to disappoint people and choose something different.

What are your shared expectations for food preparation, budget and presents?

What are some alternative suggestions and compromises you could make?

Are there any ‘tricky’ people in your life that you’ll be spending time with this Christmas season – those who will require a little bit of extra energy or patience? How can you mentally and emotionally prepare yourself to respond intentionally during your time with them?

Traditions are a fun way to create boundaries around expectations. What you spend, what you choose to eat and where you celebrate can become traditions. What traditions do you love and want to continue and which traditions do you want to let go of this year?

#3 GOODWILL FOR YOU!

Choose Yourself

Take a few moments to check in with yourself – How are you really feeling?

What do you need or desire to recharge your energy during this time of year? (Reflecting on your values can be helpful if you’ve had the opportunity to define them.)

What are three ways that you can show goodwill to yourself in this season?

What can only be done by you? What is truly important? What can you let go of?

What do you need to communicate with others about the support or help you require during this season?

CHRISTMAS

What feelings does this word evoke for you? What emotions do you experience?

Where do you feel them in your body

What 2-3 steps will you take to create a more intentional Christmas season?