LivingJamie

The Christmas season is beautiful—but sometimes, it’s also a little messy.We started December with family in town, and while it was fun to be together, it definitely threw off our normal homeschool rhythm. We made gingerbread houses (twice!), shared laughs, and did our best to make memories… but I also felt the tension of trying to balance faith and family dynamics.

Our guests aren’t believers, so I didn’t bring up Jesus as much as I normally would. Honestly, I felt a little guilty about it. I didn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable—but it left me wondering if I’d missed an opportunity.To top it off, my kids and their cousin didn’t get along very well. Some new habits snuck in that we’re still working on gently undoing.

And between siblings fighting, melt downs and our focus on homeschool core subjects (reading, writing, math), by the time nap rolls around, our day feels like it’s already slipping away.And yet… even in the busy, even when I feel like I’m not “doing enough,” God still shows up.

This morning, my 3-year-old asked, “Why do we have presents at Christmas?” What a gift of a question! In that moment, I was reminded that Jesus doesn’t need a formal lesson plan to make His presence known. He often arrives in the most unexpected little questions. 💬✨I find myself taking those moments—when they’re curious about their bodies, or nature, or the stars—and saying, “Isn’t God amazing?” I talk about His design, His creativity, His love. We pray at meals. We pray at bedtime. They see me reading my Bible. We go to church on Sundays. Is it structured and peaceful? Not always.

But it’s real.This season, I haven’t done every Advent craft. We haven’t read every Christmas Bible story. But we’ve talked about God in the midst of everyday life. And maybe that’s enough.So if your December hasn’t been picture-perfect… if you’re homeschooling and trying to keep Christ in Christmas, but feel like you’re falling short—you’re not alone. Jesus doesn’t need perfection. He just asks for presence.And He’s right there with us—even in the gingerbread house crumbs and cousin squabbles.

Have you felt the chaos too this Christmas?
Maybe your days didn’t look like you pictured. Maybe you’re feeling a little behind, a little tired, and wondering if you’re doing enough.
Let’s remind each other that Jesus is still here, even in the mess.
💛 Share one simple way you’ve seen Jesus show up this season—even if it was during a meltdown, a car ride, or a cup of cocoa.
You are not alone in this, mama. I’m cheering you on.

Walk with Jesus. Beside Him or behind Him, never in front of Him