There are plenty of reasons joy may feel out of reach this holiday season. But that doesn’t have to be the story we tell ourselves. Christmas is a time to remember hope. Christ entered our world in the humblest of settings to bring redemption and new life. His story begins in a manger and leads to a resurrected Savior. That truth brings real, lasting joy no matter what is happening around us.

Still, if you’re feeling the heaviness of the world, and many of us are, you may need a gentle reset. How can we intentionally bring more joy into this season? And, at the very least, how do we keep circumstances or people (yes, even politics) from stealing our joy? Here are a few practical ideas:

1) Pace Yourself

The Christmas season seems to start earlier every year. “Christmas in July” sales, October aisles lined with ornaments and  nonstop marketing. It’s no wonder many of us feel worn out by December. Instead of rushing through the season, slow your pace. Build anticipation by waiting to do some things a little later. If you’re just getting started, go step by step. Savor each activity rather than racing through your list.

2) Stay Out of Debt

Few things drain Christmas joy like overspending. Avoid the trap of feeling pressured to buy extravagant gifts. Set a budget and stick to it. Consider homemade gifts, acts of service, or meaningful experiences rather than purchasing everything online (those orders add up fast!). If you already spent big on Black Friday, give yourself permission to call your shopping done. Joy thrives in contentment, not in credit card bills.

3) Plan—Then Plan a Little More

Stress multiplies when we react to last-minute details. This is not the season to “wing it.” Get organized early. Make lists, think through logistics, and delegate tasks. Shop ahead to avoid frantic crowds. Cook and freeze meals when possible. Plan travel early to control costs. The more proactive you are, the more space you create for peace and joy.

4) Prepare Your Mindset for Relatives

Family dynamics can be challenging, even in the best seasons. Instead of bracing for conflict, decide ahead of time to focus on what is good. Limit time with particularly difficult relatives if needed, and remember this is a season of goodwill. Agree to disagree, stay civil, and choose kindness even if it’s not returned. Look for opportunities to create positive moments and build new memories. You’ll enjoy the season more when your heart is calm going in.

5) Lose the Commercialization

Refocus on the spiritual meaning of Christmas. Step away from the pressure to buy, decorate, and entertain perfectly. Plan activities that center your heart on Christ. Attend Christmas services, light Advent candles, read the Nativity story, or participate in music and worship that put Christ at the center. A spiritual focus naturally lifts your perspective and reorients your joy. After all, the message of Christmas is joy. Joy to the world—the Savior comes!

C.S. Lewis once wrote, “The world defines joy as the intense happiness we feel when we satisfy a great desire.” He disagreed, believing that true joy is an ongoing longing for God, a desire that draws us closer to Him and never fully ends. To put the joy back into Christmas, direct your longing toward God. Celebrate Christ’s birth, rest in the communion we have with Him, and hold fast to the promise that one day we will see Him face-to-face. That is joy fulfilled.