185: Want Connection with God this Christmas? How to Break Free from the Holiday Hustle with Ruth Chou Simons

Tired of the holiday hustle this Christmas and looking for more connection with God as you celebrate the holidays with family and friends? Many of us look forward to the holiday season as a chance to discover Christmas joy, but often find ourselves swept up in the busyness and hustle. That can create a mindset of overwhelm that may make us not so excited to step into the Christmas season.  My guest today, Ruth Chou Simons, and I talk about how to cultivate a more Christ-centered Christmas that honors the Christmas traditions, baking and making memories without all the overwhelm and exhaustion. Ruth gives great advice on simple ways to honor Christ this Christmas and create a more restful holiday season. In this episode, we discuss: [05:35] The Desire (and Struggle) to Tap into Peace During the Christmas Season[09:27] How Ruth’s self-imposed expectations influenced her ability to step into the replenishing gift of Christmas and Advent[14:22] Reframing your mindset after the Christmas Season comes to an end[17:13] How the concept of waiting and expectancy can help us tap into the gifts Christmas can bring us [23:05] Navigating worry and self-striving during the holiday season [28:38] How to embrace worship and adoration of Christ during Christmas time [31:44] Examples of idols that Christmas can help us reveal so that we can have room for Him[34:55] Managing expectations for our kids, especially during the holiday season[37:03] How to balance both the practical side and deeper meaning of Christmas [40:44] Ruth’s personal Christmas traditions with her family [42:58] How Ruth uses her creativity to tap into worship for the Lord CONNECT WITH RUTH:InstagramWebsiteFacebook DevotionalRESOURCES:Christian Mindset MakeoverFree Mindset WorkshopSend us Fan Mail