How to Make Time for God Before the Holiday Rush
You open your calendar to add one more holiday event and realize there’s barely room to breathe.
Work deadlines. School activities. Family gatherings. Church commitments.
Somewhere between everything you need to do and everyone you don’t want to disappoint, you wonder:
“Where does my time with God fit?”
Mama, before November fills up, pause.
You can begin making room now with three simple decisions that help you protect time with God, care for your well-being, and enjoy the people you love.
1. Choose Your Time With God Before Adding Extra Commitments
Sometimes we love God deeply and still give Him whatever energy is left at the end of the day.
We think, “Once I finish this, I’ll pray.”
“Once things settle down, I’ll open my Bible.”
During the holidays, something else often comes up.
Matthew 6:33 calls us to seek God’s kingdom first. That invitation reaches into our everyday decisions, including how we use our time and what we agree to carry.
Before you add holiday plans, pray:
“Lord, what needs my attention in this season? What am I adding because I feel pressured?”
Then choose one realistic moment to connect with Him.
You might read a short passage before opening social media, pray before leaving your driveway, or spend a few quiet minutes with God during your lunch break.
Choose a rhythm that fits the day you actually have.
And when that moment gets interrupted, return later.
An interrupted routine doesn’t have to become an abandoned one.
Reflection: Where can I give God my attention today?
2. Decide What Matters Most Before the Invitations Arrive
You want a meaningful holiday season.
You want to make memories with your children, serve at church, and spend time with family.
Then come the extra shopping trips, elaborate meals, matching outfits, and another gathering you feel you should attend.
Each addition sounds small. Together, they fill the week.
Before that happens, name three priorities for your season. For example:
- Time with God.
- Unhurried connection with family.
- Enough rest to be present for both.
Your priorities may look different. Naming them helps you make thoughtful decisions when requests arrive.
Before accepting an invitation, ask:
“Can I say yes to this and still care for the priorities I’ve already chosen?”
Sometimes the answer will be yes. Sometimes you’ll need to simplify.
Attend the gathering and bring something from the grocery store. Shorten the preparation for a family tradition. Ask others to share the hosting.
You don’t have to exhaust yourself to make a memory meaningful.
Reflection: What three things do I want to protect this holiday season?
3. Leave Something Off Your Calendar on Purpose
Look at an open evening on your calendar.
Does it feel like breathing room—or does your mind immediately search for something to put there?
An empty space can have a purpose.
It gives you room when work runs late, a child needs extra attention, or your body needs rest.
In Mark 6:31, Jesus invited His disciples to come away and rest after a busy period of ministry. Their need for rest mattered. Yours matters, too.
Before accepting another commitment, consider everything it requires.
A two-hour gathering may also involve shopping, cooking, getting everyone ready, driving, and cleaning up afterward.
Ask yourself:
“Do I have room for everything this yes requires?”
If the answer is no, you can respond with kindness:
“Thank you for thinking of me. We’re keeping our schedule lighter this season, so I won’t be able to make that commitment.”
You can be gracious and clear.
You don’t need a full calendar to prove that you care.
Reflection: What space can I leave open this week?
Your Holiday Reset Starts With This Week
Open your calendar and make three small choices:
- Choose one daily moment to connect with God.
- Choose one space this week to leave open.
- Choose one commitment to simplify, share, or decline.
Start with the week in front of you.
When plans change, you can return to God in the middle of it all. You don’t have to wait for a quieter season to seek His direction.
A Prayer Before You Fill Your Calendar
Father, before I fill my calendar, help me seek Your wisdom. Show me what needs my attention and what I can release. Give me courage to set gracious boundaries and humility to receive help. Teach me to steward my time with care so I can be present with You and the people I love. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Take Your Next Faithful Step
For help putting these decisions into practice, explore the Harmony Reset Guide: Simple Faith-Filled Rhythms for the Overwhelmed Christian Mom.
Inside, you’ll find Scripture prompts, reflection exercises, and practical reset activities to help you begin creating breathing room.
Explore the Harmony Reset Guide
With love,
Felicia
Flourishing With Purpose — Harmony Not Hustle