Celebration for Connecting Family During the Holidays

The holiday season is often marked by hectic schedules, last-minute shopping, and an overwhelming list of to-dos. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness and forget what’s at the heart of the season - celebration. So what if you could reclaim the holidays and make them more than just a series of obligations and events? What if you could use this time to reconnect your family, deepen your faith, and create memories that will last long after the season is over?

Celebration has a unique power for connecting family, and there’s no better time to tap into that power than during the holidays. So, how can you, as a family, celebrate with intention this holiday season and connect with one another in deeper, more meaningful ways? 

Celebration that Brings the Family Together 

Celebrating together as a family creates moments to reflect on shared values and all God is doing. In our fast-paced world, where everyone is often caught up in their own activities and responsibilities, these shared moments allow family members to pause and focus on one another, to turn our attention away from distractions and toward what matters most.

In Deuteronomy 16:14, God commands His people to celebrate in His presence: “Be joyful at your festival—you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, and the Levites, the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns.” God Himself created celebrations as a way for people to connect not only with Him but also with one another. 

One family we know has a tradition of setting aside Christmas Eve as a "family night," where they eat a special meal together, share what they’re thankful for, and end the evening by reading the Christmas story. No matter how busy they are, this night is sacred - there are no phones, no distractions - just time together. These moments of intentional connection are the heartbeat of their holiday season.

Celebration Reaffirms Your Family’s Identity and Values

When you celebrate as a family, you reinforce what matters most. These celebration traditions help your children understand what your family stands for. In a world that constantly changes, celebrations rooted in faith, love, and service offer a grounding sense of identity. They remind everyone of who you are, whose you are, and why you do what you do.

In the Bible, God often instructed His people to celebrate as a way to remember important events and milestones in their faith journey. For example, the Israelites were commanded to observe the Passover to remember God’s deliverance. In Exodus 12:14, it says, “This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord—a lasting ordinance.” By celebrating together, your family can reflect on God's faithfulness and remind each other of the purpose within your family’s values.

Consider starting a family tradition that connects your celebrations to your faith. For instance, you could start a tradition of reading the Bible together before opening gifts or light candles to mark the Advent season. This will serve as a powerful reminder of the faith that binds your family and the reason you celebrate: Jesus Christ.

Joy as a Byproduct of Celebration

One of the most powerful aspects of celebration is the joy it brings. It’s not just about fun activities - it’s about intentionally choosing joy in the midst of life’s challenges. The Bible tells us in Psalm 126:3, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”

Even after Christmas, the joy of the season lingers in the memories you create. Maybe it's the quiet moments spent reminiscing over old Christmas cards or the family walk on a crisp afternoon, where the laughter and conversations continue long after the holiday bustle has ended. These moments you cherish most, the ones that stay with you long after the tree comes down and the decorations are packed away.

Even tasks like cleaning up after the holiday feast can turn into cherished memories - sorting through leftovers, washing dishes, and sharing stories about the year ahead. It's in these everyday moments that the real joy of the season lives on, designed into the DNA of your family’s traditions. The holiday may have passed, but the laughter, connection, and unexpected moments continue to warm your heart long into the new year.

Celebration Reminds You of Your Family’s Faith and Purpose

The holidays are an ideal time to celebrate God’s goodness as a family. By intentionally reflecting on His gifts, especially the gift of Christ, you can reinforce your family’s understanding of why you celebrate and who you celebrate. Jesus Himself celebrated the Jewish festivals with His family and friends, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and honoring God in the rhythms of life. In Luke 2:41, we read, “Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover.” 

As a family, celebrating the season can be an opportunity to reflect on God’s provision. These moments don’t just mark the passing of time; they shape the future of your family by establishing a rhythm of celebration that acknowledges God’s presence in all things.

Incorporate family devotions into your holiday celebrations. You could read one chapter of scripture or a devotion a day leading up to Christmas. Make this a time where faith is not just taught but experienced and celebrated through prayer and worship.

Celebration Forces a Needed Break from the Hustle

In the midst of all the preparations, work, and travel, the act of celebration offers a much-needed pause. It’s a reminder that the most important thing is not what we do, but who we are - together. It gives us permission to stop striving and simply enjoy the presence of one another. Celebration provides rest and rejuvenation.

In Hebrews 4:9-10, we read, “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works.” Celebration is a form of rest, a time to step back from the demands of life and focus on God, family, and the joy of being together.

As a family, designate certain times during the holidays when you can just be together without any pressure to perform or meet expectations. Maybe it’s a quiet evening by the fire or a day spent only doing fun activities. Make sure to make space for these times. 

Making the Celebration Count

The holiday season offers a wide range of opportunities to celebrate as a family and to reconnect with one another. So, this holiday season, make a commitment to celebrate with intention. Prioritize connection, build traditions that reflect your family’s values, and allow moments of joy..

Celebrate by sharing stories as a family around the fireplace of an evening. Need more guidance on how to share fun and effective stories? Check out our quick blog on storytelling here.