The Christmas season seems to be about the lights, music and special traditions but ultimately, it’s a celebration of Christ. One of the most beautiful ways to honor and reflect Him during this time is through hospitality. Opening our homes and our lives to others, especially throughout the holidays, is a tangible reminder of God’s welcome to us through Jesus.
But, if I’m being honest, hospitality in itself can become overwhelming, especially through the holidays. We often see busy and hectic schedules, financial pressure and hardship, the weight of unrealistic expectations and it’s easy to believe the lie that our home (and life) are not “enough” to welcome others into it. The thing is that hospitality isn’t anywhere near about being perfect, but just about being there.
The Heart of Christmas Hospitality
As Christians, hospitality should be more than just entertaining people. Entertaining is more about impressing others and focuses really on how things look or seem. Hospitality, on the other hand, is about serving and focuses on how people feel when they are with you. That was a hard lesson I personally had to learn, but I’m glad I did because I host so differently now.
Romans 12:13 says to, “contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality” and Christmas time is the perfect season to live it out. As we remember Christ’s birth, we’re also reminded that He welcomed us into His family. And when we open our homes to others, even in the smallest of ways, we reflect His welcome to them.
Preparing Your Heart, Not Just Your Home
One hard lesson that I had to learn, is that hospitality starts way before you even open the front door. It starts with a willing heart to love and serve, just as Jesus did. A few ways you can prepare your heart for hosting are by:
Praying over your gathering. Ask God to use your home, your table and your time to bless those who come in. Pray that His presence is tangible and that the gathering is transformative in more ways than one.
Letting go of perfection. Your guests aren’t coming to a show room, they’re coming for and in need of fellowship. More often than not, guests are looking for a place to belong, a place that’s relatable. Perfection isn’t relatable.
Choosing peace over pressure. A peaceful mind, spirit and environment trumps having everything perfectly placed. If you don’t choose peace over pressure, you’ll wind up overwhelmed and won’t enjoy the time spent with those you invited.
Remembering who you are serving. With every person you welcome into your home, that’s an opportunity to serve Jesus himself. It’s an opportunity to extend his love. Shifting to this mindset will change everything about how you host.
Surrendering your expectations. Things might not go as you planned, but God loves to use interruptions and imperfections to create the most special moments.
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,”
— Colossians 3:23 NKJV
Practical Ways to Extend Hospitality During Christmas
Hospitality in your home
Hospitality doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the smallest of details make the biggest impact. Inviting someone into your home for some soup and bread, or just a cup of coffee can create a space for fellowship and comfort. Play some Christmas music and let the glow of the Christmas tree set an atmosphere that makes it easy for conversation and rest. Take the time to really listen, to ask questions, and to show genuine interest in the people who gather around your table.
Being hospitable also gives you the opportunity to involve your children and teach them the art of hospitality. Let them help you stir the soup, or set the table, or draw Christmas cards for your guests. Small things like these will teach them that hospitality is an act of service and love that reflects the heart of Christ. By helping you, they are also learning that opening up your home is also about opening up your heart.
Hospitality outside of your home
Hospitality doesn’t have to be limited to hosting in your home. You can actually extend it wherever it is that you go. It could look like delivering a meal to a neighbor or someone who is in need. Or maybe inviting someone who might be alone during Christmas to come and spend it with your family. Or even just dropping off some cookies to bless another mom.
Other simple ways to offer hospitality outside of your home are:
- Writing a letter to someone
- Offering to babysit for a few hours
- Checking in on someone whose been sick or going through a hard time
- Visit a nursing home or assisted living center
- Serve at a local shelter
- Adopt a family or a child for Christmas
- Leave a “hospitality basket” on someone’s front door
- Host a small gathering in a community area
When you open yourself up to the many opportunities for hospitality, you get a glimpse of the true meaning of Christmas.
Hospitality when money is tight
Hospitality can seem near impossible when money is tight, but you don’t need a big budget to show someone you care. Some of the most meaningful gestures are simple and come straight from the heart. When resources are limited, remind yourself that hospitality isn’t about what you have, but how you give it.
Share what you have. A humble meal shared with others can make a big impact. Serve what you have in your pantry and trust that God can multiply it in a beautiful way.
Focus on time together. Your time and attention are a lot more valuable than anything you can buy at the store.
Get your children involved. Let them help you make homemade gifts, bake together, make hand drawn cards. They are just as much part of this as you are.
This kind of hospitality comes from gratitude, not abundance, and reflects the heart of the One who came as the greatest gift of all.
Overcoming obstacles to Hospitality
Even when you have the best intentions, it’s easy to let fear and busyness hold us back from opening up our homes. Maybe it’s crossed your mind that your house is too small or you don’t have the time or energy to host. But hospitality was never meant to be about any sort of perfection, but about the people. Most people are not looking for the picture perfect home. They are longing for connection, fellowship and someone who really cares.
If you’re living room is full of toys or you bought a precooked dinner from the grocery store, that’s completely okay! The intention and the heart behind the invitation matters more than the setting. When schedules feel too packed, try planning an intentional opportunity to gather like a coffee date or an afternoon playdate. Trust me, it makes all the difference! And when you feal weary, remember that you’re not serving from your own strength. God is faithful to equip you for every good work, even the small and unseen ones. Ask Him to fill your heart with His love, your home with His peace, and let His grace take care of the rest.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas, don’t let busyness or comparison rob you of the joy of hospitality and community. Start small, keep it simple and remember the reason why we welcome others: to reflect the love of Christ.
So go ahead mama, light the candle, put on some Christmas music and open up the door, even if it’s to just one person.
Leave a reply to mareedee2016 Cancel reply