A PEACEFUL HOLIDAY SEASON
✨ Planning Ahead with God: Preparing for a Peaceful Holiday Season
The holidays can sneak up so quickly, can’t they? One moment it’s October, and the next we’re facing a whirlwind of meals to cook, gifts to buy, and events to attend. For years, I let the rush steal my peace. But I’ve learned something simple: when I plan ahead with God, I enter the season calmer, with more space to truly thank Him and celebrate the birth of Jesus.
For me, that looks like wrapping gifts early, decorating the day after Thanksgiving, and having meals prepped so I can slow down and focus on what matters most. The less I scramble, the more I can breathe and the more I can give God my undivided attention in this season.
📖 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3
🌿 Why Planning Ahead Matters
When we don’t prepare, last-minute stress can quickly become overwhelming. The endless to-do lists, crowded schedules, and unplanned expenses all fuel anxiety.
But when we pause to commit our plans to God first, everything shifts. We stop striving in our own strength and instead receive His guidance. Planning ahead is not about control, it’s about creating space to live peacefully, with margin to rest and worship in the middle of a busy season.
🧺 Trusting God With Your Calendar
Instead of filling your planner with endless tasks, begin with prayer:
🙏 “Lord, what would You have me focus on this week? Lead my steps so my schedule reflects You.”
Invite Him into your to-do list. Ask Him to help you see where you can let go of unnecessary obligations, and where you should leave margin for rest. When you build your calendar around God’s direction, you’ll find your heart is calmer even when things don’t go perfectly.
⏳ Practical Ways to Plan Ahead
Here are some simple ways to reduce last-minute chaos and create a peaceful rhythm:
Start Early – Begin gift shopping now. Buy small things each week and look for sales before Black Friday. Pre-plan meals that can be prepped and frozen ahead of time.
Set Boundaries – Don’t say “yes” to every invitation. Protect your peace by leaving room for rest and family time.
Budget Wisely – Decide now what you’ll spend on gifts and food. Homemade gifts, baked treats, or charitable giving can be thoughtful and meaningful alternatives.
Declutter Before the Season – Get rid of extra clutter that adds stress. Keep only what is useful and meaningful so your home feels lighter and calmer.
Build Rhythms of Rest – Schedule downtime. Put quiet evenings, family nights, or devotional time on your calendar before the holiday chaos fills every slot.
📖 Key Bible Verses for God-Centered Planning
Proverbs 16:3 — “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”
James 4:13–15 — “You do not even know what will happen tomorrow… Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”
Psalm 90:12 — “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
🪴 Calming Tip of the Day
Before writing your to-do list, light a candle and pray Proverbs 16:3 out loud. As you look at your list, ask: Does this honor God? Does this bring peace or create stress? Let Him reorder your priorities before the day begins.
📝 Free Printable and Video Resources
Want help planning your days with God’s peace at the center?
Download the Gratitude Journal Page (Let Go and Give Thanks) to guide your quiet time and schedule with Scripture. [Download Here]
NOW AVAILABLE 🔗November Pray Read Reflect Journal Bundle
💛 Want to create a calm atmosphere while you journal or pray?
Press play on my “Peaceful Fall Scripture Video” a quiet moment of music, scripture, and stillness to help you focus your heart on God’s presence.
👉 Watch it here on YouTube
💛 Final Encouragement
Planning ahead with God isn’t about controlling every detail it’s about creating margin for peace, gratitude, and joy. By preparing now, you’ll step into the holiday season with a calm heart, ready to enjoy Thanksgiving and truly celebrate the birth of Jesus. Trust Him with your plans, and He will give you rest.
