Table of Contents
Preface: A Letter to You 9
Introduction: A Recalibrating of the Season 11
Advent Week 1 Hope 21
Advent Week 2 Love 37
Advent Week 3 Joy 51
Advent Week 4 Peace 67
Christmastide 83
Conclusion: Emmanuel, God With Us 97
Making Your Actual Christmas Work
Practical Tips and Strategies for Your Holiday
Schedule 105
Saving Time for What's Most Important: Scheduling Principles
But Mom … We Always: Evaluating Traditions
The Power of No Thank You: Limiting Commitments
Finances 113
Taking It to the Bank: Saving Money during Christmas
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Gift Giving on a Budget
Looking for the Cheap: Other Savings Tips
Relationships 121
Bringing Families Together: Navigating Extended Family Relationships
Believing the Best in Others: Taking a Posture of Grace
Stewarding the Story: Kids and the Christmas Story
Logistics 129
Why Are We Doing This Again? Party Hosting Basics
We Still Have to Eat: Decisions around Food Prep
Acknowledgments 133
Notes 135
About the Author 137