One of our coworkers recently said, “We need to move Christmas to January 25th. The holiday season is way too fast. If we move it, we’ll have more time in between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and actually have something to look forward to in January.”

We think it’s a genius idea. More time between all that holiday eating… and for us East Coast folks, infusing January with a holiday would definitely make it less of a drag.

Our friend has a pulse on something America really struggles with – a rushed holiday season. November and December can feel like a sprint—packed with commitments, travel, shopping, and expectations that leave little room to breathe.

How the Holidays Became So Busy

Historically, the Christmas season wasn’t always this rushed. In the early 20th century, the rise of mass retail, advertising, and later suburban living transformed how Americans celebrated. Shopping calendars expanded, department stores promoted “must-have” gifts, and traditions became increasingly tied to schedules and spending. As work weeks stayed full and travel distances grew, families began squeezing more activity into less time.

Over the years, this created a cultural expectation: do everything, see everyone, and make it all memorable—often in just a few weeks.

Choosing to Slow Down on Purpose

Slowing down doesn’t mean rejecting tradition. It often means being intentional about which traditions truly matter. Sometimes that requires letting go of good things in order to protect peace.

Here are a few ways families can create margin during the holidays:

  • Limit yourself to only ONE holiday party or get-together on the weekends.
  • Limit travel to either Thanksgiving or Christmas. Families may be frustrated, but when you need to stay healthy, it may be worth it for everyone.
  • Focus on fewer, more meaningful traditions.
  • Create quiet moments at home without plans. Set a Sabbath, for instance.
  • Set realistic expectations around time and finances.

The holidays don’t have to be rushed to be meaningful. Often, slowing down is what allows us to actually experience the joy, connection, and purpose the season was meant to bring.

If you’re looking for a book (or audio book) in 2025 to help you slow things down, you may want to check out The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer. We’ve loved having that as a resource to keep ourselves in check when life starts to blur by.

We hope you can slow down and enjoy this holiday season.

– The United Faith Mortgage Family