If you're anything like us, chances are the weeks and months leading up to Christmas are a mixture of fun and meaningful and completely chaotic and stressful, too. We've all felt the pressure to pull off the perfect Advent season, and when we don't, it's easy to feel guilty, like we've let the family down or not focused our attention on the right things—the things that really matter. 

But it doesn't have to be this way! We're here to help you create meaningful moments during Advent, find the traditions that matter most, and help you engage with God and one another. It's not only possible, it's easier than you think!

Well before Advent arrives, answer these five questions now to relieve some of the pressure this Christmas and enjoy a stress-free season this year.

Questions to Answer to Avoid the Stresses of Christmas

1. How did last Christmas go for our family? 

First, kick things off with a family meeting. We recommend doing it on one of your late summer pool days or at dinner—somewhere the whole family is gathered together. What were last December's highs and lows? Can you even remember them?

Have everyone think about it and share their good and not-so-good memories, the magical and stressful ones, too. Don't worry about the schedule yet or making decisions for this year. Invite everyone to reflect on their experience last year and carry those thoughts with you through the following four questions.

2. Who are we dropping from the shopping list? 

Hard left turn for this one! And while we suggest this one somewhat playfully, we're also serious! It may be time to simplify your shopping list. We tend to add and add at Christmas time—to our schedules, our decorations, our shopping lists, our wants and "needs." At some point, it might be good to purge the list. 

Or consider if there is another way to show people you care without the focus being on materialistic things and gift exchanges. If nothing else, let this question prompt you as you engage with other people this season. 

Does my giving at Christmas time reflect the values and relationships I hold closest? Do my friends, neighbors, and co-workers know I care for them? What might be more helpful and appreciated than a gift? Am I giving anyone gifts from a feeling of obligation? 

Ask the questions, even if they make you uncomfortable for a moment, and make a decision now that will be easy and meaningful to implement later.

3. What are our Advent Traditions? 

If you've found yourself mid-November starting to wonder, "What on earth should I study during Advent this year?" or "Is it ok if I repeat the same devotional from last Christmas?" or even "Is there an Advent Guide that everyone in the family can do, so we're not all doing our own things?" you're not alone! We've been there too. And we're here with a gentle suggestion. Resist the temptation to reinvent the wheel. 

You (and especially your kids) will remember not what you did one year but what you did year after year. They'll remember what you make a tradition and what you build on each year. Find an Advent Guide (we humbly suggest you choose Advent Blocks!); name it a tradition, and keep doing it. 

*A note to church leaders: This applies to you, too! Nothing is requiring you to do a new curriculum each year. Decide once what your Christmas tradition is and stick with it. Plus, once you do it in year one, the families will communicate it to you in years 2 and 3. Find something they'll be excited about and want to do annually. And then build on it! With the Advent Blocks Local Church Program, it's as easy as simply ordering a few more sets of blocks each year as your church family grows. 

4. Are we traveling this year? 

This tip alone might reduce your stress by half! Start the conversation about holiday travel now. Yes, now! It will be so much easier to have a difficult conversation, if necessary, if you're not communicating about a holiday that is just around the corner, with anticipation already built up between kids and relatives. 

Decide now if you'll travel for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even the New Year. Decide how long you'll travel, where you'll stay, and any family dynamics that must be addressed. And then communicate those decisions now—as early as possible! 

If you need to take another trip to the pool and have a conversation by the water, go right ahead! Chances are, communicating early will not just be easier for you but will also serve other family members who may need to make travel plans. No one ever complained about overcommunicating, right?

5. What are the most important events for us this Christmas? 

Think back to your poolside family meeting for a minute. And grab your calendar. Now it's time to ask, "What are the most important events that we will be a part of this year?" Pick a few. Pencil them in on the calendar now, especially if the dates are already posted or are consistent year after year. 

Have your kids outgrown the Polar Express extravaganza, which is always crowded and stressful? Do you need to pick just one Christmas party to attend and others to politely decline? What about that cookie swap? Do you even eat those cookies? 

Ask this question to help screen what's worth doing and what your family would be better off skipping or saving for another year. It's about creating margin in the calendar so that you enjoy the season without feeling burdened and pressured by it.

Resist the temptation to keep adding events, and find the courage to decline what you need to kindly. Having the conversation now will help you know when to say yes and when to say no in the moment.

Remember the goal: Engage with God and one another this holiday season.

Don't get wrapped up (see what we did there?) in the chaos, but name what matters, decide and communicate early, and enjoy a stress-free Christmas with your family.

The Bottom Line on Having a Stress-Free Christmas

By asking these five questions now, you can relieve the pressure and enjoy a stress-free Christmas season. Reflect on last year's highs and lows, simplify your shopping list, establish a meaningful Advent tradition (like Advent Blocks from GoodKind), plan your holiday travel early, and prioritize the most important events. This thoughtful approach helps you engage with God and each other, creating a joyful and meaningful holiday season.