The Sacred Art of Simplicity (for the Season)
As the holiday season approaches, there’s a certain energy in the air—a mix of joy, nostalgia, and, let’s be honest, overwhelm. The calendars fill up, the to-do lists grow, and suddenly, Christmas feels more like a sprint than a season of peace. 🕊️ Am I right?
But what if this year could be different? What if, instead of doing more, we chose to do less?
This is the invitation of simplifying. It’s not about deprivation or perfection; it’s about clearing away what distracts us from what matters most. When we simplify, we make space for God, for connection, and for the quiet joy of the season.
As Richard Foster reminds us in Celebration of Discipline: “Simplicity is an inward reality that results in an outward lifestyle.”
Simplifying isn’t just a practice—it’s a spiritual discipline, a way of aligning our hearts with what truly brings peace.
Your Weekly Challenge: One Step Toward Simplicity
Each week leading up to Christmas, I invite you to intentionally simplify one area of your life. Start small, and let the process unfold like a gift to your soul. Here are a few ideas to spark inspiration:
Finances: Take a look at your spending and ask, What purchases align with my values? Simplify by choosing presence over presents, or setting a budget that feels freeing rather than constraining.
Home/Closet: Clear one drawer, one shelf, or one pile of clutter. Donate or discard what no longer serves you. Let your physical space reflect the peace you’re seeking internally.
Relationships: Simplify your commitments by choosing meaningful connection over obligatory gatherings. This may mean saying “no” more often so you can say “yes” to the people who truly matter.
Mind & Heart: Simplify your thoughts by journaling, praying, or meditating each morning. Release the mental clutter of comparison, worry, or striving.
Each small act of simplifying creates space—for gratitude, for rest, for the things that bring you closer to God’s heart.
Lightening the Load for the New Year
Imagine starting 2025 not weighed down by cluttered schedules, overstuffed closets, or financial stress, but feeling light, free, and aligned with what truly matters. That’s the gift of simplicity. 🎁
The holidays are an opportunity to prepare not just our homes but our hearts. What will you simplify this week? Let’s embrace this season as a chance to slow down, clear out, and make room for peace.
With love and lightness,
Julie
