Sacred Holidays: Less Chaos, More Jesus

by Becky Kiser

Do you enter every holiday wanting it to be meaningful, only to find that it feels chaotic with no direction? We set New Year’s goals we can’t keep, struggle to love or be loved on Valentine’s Day, and find it hard to celebrate the risen Jesus when we are searching for the perfect Easter dress. Our summer and back-to-school seasons are whirlwinds, even as adults; we aren’t quite sure what to do with Halloween as Christians; and we feel less than grateful at Thanksgiving because it is sometimes full of complicated people. Even Christmas becomes a challenge, as celebrating Jesus gets lost behind twinkling lights and a mountain of gifts. Holidays are meant to be more than chaos with glimpses of grace; they are meant to draw us closer to God and one another. We want all the whimsy and joy the holidays held when we were children, before life crowded it out. We want the holidays to reflect our love for Jesus and reveal the grace that has been lavished on us, but life is so busy that setting a game plan just doesn’t happen. No more. It’s time to stop trying to survive the holidays or over indulge the whimsy, and instead live in the abundant life God called us to live.Sacred Holidays is part book and part meant to help you avoid what has tripped you up in the past and give you insights, tips, and tools to make your holidays less chaotic and more about loving Jesus and others.  Don’t let your holidays be marked by regret, whirlwinds, or survival mindset. Let’s celebrate every holiday together purposefully and worshipfully–loving Jesus and others well in every moment.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Christian Living, Christmas, Holiday, Christian Non Fiction, Inspirational

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2018

Reviews

[Kelly Bosch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all, this book. It’s practical. It’s instructive. It’s freeing. It’s part workbook, part conversation with your wisest friend. If every holiday feels like a whirlwind of unmet expectations, overwhelming burdens, and very little Jesus, you need this book. Becky Kiser walks you through the process of making every holiday holy and set apart, one baby step at a time.

Each chapter gives you tips and tools to bring back the whimsy while focusing on Jesus. To help us let go of expectations and demands. This book is a resource, but it's also something to recharge your soul. Mark it up, read it over, and change your holidays for the better. I have already put into practice a few of the ideas I got from reading.

If you’re tired of how special occasions play out every year, do something about it. This book will help. Don’t wait because it feels too hard. Don’t be scared to do the work. There is magic in the words God gave Becky. Read them and use it to find less chaos and more Jesus in your holidays.

*I did get a free digital copy of the book to review from the publisher. Words and thoughts are my own. Nobody tells me what to think. ;)

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggle with expectation vs. reality in so many things and the holidays are no different. In fact that makes it worse! Becky helps break down the expectation in order to make the reality more focused on others and ultimately God.

I love how the book is practical for me as a single woman but is applicable to moms as well. Each holiday is highlighted so you can prepare for them before the crazy begins but also the book becomes your journal as you think through what makes the holidays chaotic and how to change that.

If you feel frazzled even before we enter holiday season ( doesn’t help that Christmas stuff will be up in a matter of weeks 😳) then consider sitting down and taking a minute to sort through the chaos and become more focused. You won’t regret it.

[Christa Cordova · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent resources for Christian readers seeking opportunities to create space for the sacred during busy holiday seasons. The author provides resources, Scripture, and journaling prompts for both major faith-based holidays (Christmas, Easter, etc) and less-often considered (birthdays, summer, etc). The prompts invite readers to reflect on their own past experiences and intentionally craft plans for future holiday celebrations. I highly recommend the book to readers and to folks looking for a unique and meaningful gift to give to others.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I will come back and revisit often. I love the tag line, “less chaos, more Jesus.” I don’t have kids of my own but still was able to get a lot out of this book. I love all of the scripture and the suggestions about summer. I also like the discussion about not being “that Christian”. Really gave me a lot to think about especially regarding Halloween. I definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to be more intentional about their holiday plans.

[Mary Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical help to go from crazy holidays to intentional holidays with tips and ideas throughout.

[Rachel (Words With Rach) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource. About 5 years ago, I started thinking more intentionally about the holidays, especially the Advent season and the days leading up to Easter. I prayed and sought advice from others. I was able to observe how godly friends celebrated these holidays, and I implemented those ideas. When I got married a few years ago, the things I had implemented for the holidays became more difficult and it was harder to figure out how to do this as a couple.

This book is one I wish would have been written years ago, and I am so thankful that it has been written now. Becky Kiser takes all of her experience as a wife, mother of 3, and ministry leader to offer tools that help us not only refocus our holiday season, but also have fun. In each chapter, she takes a major holiday or season and gives very practical ideas on how we can make that holiday sacred. Beyond the sacred, she also provides practical ways we can have fun and live intentionally in that season. Not only does she talk about focusing on Christ and having fun, but she also addresses struggles that may make a holiday difficult to celebrate.

This book is loaded with Scripture, Bible reading plans, journaling prompts, goal setting ideas, lists of fun things to do and activities that kids could enjoy.

If you are tired of the crazy and feel like you are missing the point, give this book a try. If you are a believer and you want more from the holidays and don’t know where to begin, this book is an excellent resource for you.

While this book offers many suggestions for families and children, this book is just as useful for single adults and couples without children. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any believer. Personally, this is a book I will keep on hand and use as a tool to help guide holiday seasons now and in the future.

Thanks to NetGalley and B&H Publishing Group for an eARC to read and review!

[Christina Brister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Less chaos, more Jesus!!! This is exactly what my family needs. The fact that the author breaks down holidays that are not faith based is amazing. We often tend to focus only on Jesus during religous holidays. This book has ways for you to focus on him even during birthdays and Halloween!!! I have never thought of Halloween in and evangelical way before! Big thanks to the author for all the hard work she put into this!!! It will be cherished by me and my family for years to come!!!

[Charyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Sacred Holidays by the talented Jesus girl Becky Kiser I find myself so excited to find ways to infuse more Jesus into our holidays! Friends, she isn’t just tackling Christmas, but New Years, Valentines, Lent and Easter, Summer, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas, and Birthdays. I love how she wisely weaves Jesus into the tapestry of these days that are supposed to be special but often feel disappointing or hard. Becky also shows readers ways to show the love of Jesus to others during each holiday. I will be referring to this book for years to come for our holiday celebrations! I received a copy of this book from the publisher on Kindle. I also ordered a physical copy for myself!
🎉❤️💐☀️🍁🦃🎄🎂

[Deborah Lee]

This book! Ladies, we are all Waaaaaaaayyyyy too busy during the holidays, and scrambling at the last minute. This book helps us get right to our priorities...Less Chaos, More Jesus. I received this book from the publisher, and I will gladly be buying more copies to share with my sisters and BFFs.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love holidays and celebrations but they can so easily become overwhelming and exhausting. It's so easy to get caught up in the things that don't matter and miss the most important part of the holidays. This book serves as an amazing resource in focusing on what is important. The author has found a way to speak so personally and in such a caring, supportive way as you think about the holidays and how to focus on Jesus and what matters to you. She has a way of reaching your heart as you read through how to transform your holidays to have less chaos and more Jesus. Whole this book definitely spoke to be as a mom of two children, this book is a great read for those who are singles, without kids, or of any age. I am excited to use this book as a resource for years to come.

*I was given an eARC copy of the book publisher. My review and thoughts on the book are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a new mom celebrating my first Christmas with our baby girl this year, I've been thinking lots about what holidays and traditions should look like for our family. This book is a resource I'm certain I'll come back to again and again.

One of my favorite parts is that Becky emphasizes the importance of bringing our own ideas before the Lord and asking Him what's best for our family - not the family down the street. If you are looking for practical ways to celebrate the holidays while loving God and others well - and I think so most of us are but need a bit of help - this book is a must-read!

I received this book from the publisher; all thoughts are truly my own. I plan to buy multiple copies to give to friends and family, because this beautiful message deserves to be shared!

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one that you will come back to again and again, holiday after holiday. It is like a visit with a friend where you get ideas on ways to make the holidays fit into your life, from crazy holidays to holy and set apart!

[Andrea Braker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad this book was written! It's more than a just a book, but a full-out holiday resource for ideas, planning ahead, remembering what worked and didn't work - all in the light of how to bring LESS CHAOS and MORE JESUS into each holiday. I will come back and read this book again and again! It's a nice light read that incorporates scripture and journaling to make each chapter memorable and worth referencing year after year.

[Chris MacLeavy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiser lays her cards on the table when it comes to her family's approach to each holiday. Advent & Christmas; Lent & Easter; Birthdays, Valentine's Day; Summer holidays; they can all be redeemed for something that is focussed on Christ and intentionally set apart from the rhythm of the year. Kiser unpacks the ways in which her family enjoys each holiday while having complete respect for those who have chosen to take a different approach. Her "you be you" attitude towards viewing each holiday through the lens of the Bible and tailoring it to suit your family in whatever season you're in is both liberating and positively challenging. Well grounded in Scripture, packed with practical examples, and easily transferable to a non-American culture (there are chapters on Thanksgiving and Halloween), this book has value for you whatever your life situation may be. Let's be intentional about our holidays by working towards less chaos, and more Jesus.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great resource! Sacred Holidays has scripture, resources, stories, and helpful tips to set your sights on Christ during the holidays while also engaging with the people around you in a meaningful way.

The content in the book is for EVERYONE! It’s for parents, singles, couples, all age groups- if you celebrate any or all holidays, this book is for you!

I love the way the book is set up into 3 parts: read now, read before a specific holiday, and read as needed. This lets you read and prepare yourself for each holiday as it comes and allows you to focus time on each individually. I love the “read as needed” section because it lets you dive deeper into specific problems that can arise during the holidays (expectations, drama, finances, planning, etc).

This book will continue to be one that I grab off the shelf before different holidays to align my vision and plan with God to set my sight on Him instead of the busy and to-do lists that come with holidays.

*I received a digital copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I selected this book to read, I thought it would have more Christmas than it does. This book takes all the holidays, ones we consider Christian and others and shares thoughts and ideas on how to destress and make them family friendly as well as interjecting our Christian beliefs and letting go of some secular customs that might detract from the holiday. This is a book that is part workbook, instructive and one that you can use in discussions with family and friends. The book begins with January celebrations right through to Christmas. It even includes birthday celebrations and Halloween. I really liked the emphasis on family activities and sharing. I would have made great use of this when my kids were young, had I read it then. This book will not be for everyone, but with Christmas approaching and if you are looking for a way to make this holiday more relaxing, family friendly, and to celebrate the real reason for the season, it's not too late to pick it up.

[Callie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great in its practicality. It talks about all the major holidays and gives ideas on how to make them more sacred and meaningful without being holier than thou. Great and practical! Things you can implement in your life now.

*received free advance copy from the publisher*

[Gina Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Becky. Her true heart’s desire is for people to know Jesus more. She has written this book as way to put the true meaning of the holidays front and center. This book will be so helpful to anyone who has to spend time with family over the holidays and to those who need more sanity and how to put things into perspective. Everyone needs to go out and get this book!!

[Jessica Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becky has a way of simplifying things so that they are practical and more meaningful. The holidays are meant to be celebrated and enjoyed, and Becky helps give practical steps towards doing just that! Would definitely recommend.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I wanted to read this for Christmas because I get so overwhelmed this time of year and I wanted to read someone else’s perspective on it.
I had no idea that it was going to help me throughout the entire year. Yay!
This book was so encouraging and practical. It never felt “preachy”. Each chapter had me pause and see a different way to approach my “seasons”. Helpful things that felt doable. All of this made me take a step back and breathing in my walk with the Lord. I found the check list at the end of every chapter super helpful.

What I loved:
• Lots of practical insight.
• Writing a personal mission statement for that holiday.
• Praying over Christmas cards.
• Preparing for my struggle areas.
• Learning more about Lent and Easter and why we celebrate it.
• All the helpful ideas about summer activities.
• Getting involved in reading and book clubs. ♥️
• Tips on how to make Halloween holy.
• The importance of managing money well as Believers.
• Looking at grief and knowing when it’s okay to not be okay.
• Asking for help.
• Learning how to say no when I’m doing to much.
This was a NETGALLEY gift and all opinions are my own.

[Jordan Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so much more than a resource with a few good ideas on how to make your holidays better. Be prepared to dig out the roots as to why our holidays tend to be so chaotic. And then be encouraged by how we can make Jesus the focus of every holiday throughout the year. I’ve already started implementing some practical tips for the upcoming holidays.

What I love so much about this book is that it’s meant to be used frequently. Like your grandmother’s recipe book, you’ll want to take notes & re-visit what worked (or what didn’t) & continue to add a little more Jesus with a little less chaos during each holiday every year.

Don’t worry. Becky doesn’t forget or leave out the fun & whimsy of the holidays. She includes practical baby steps that allow her readers to keep the magic of the holidays alive all the while keeping our focus on Jesus. It’s a beautiful combination. Every woman should have this book on her bookshelf/nightstand/dresser/counter!

*I did receive a free digital copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own.

[Stacey Harris Cornette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and unlike most books I read, I plan to revisit it over the year and for years to come. Becky Kiser does a wonderful job of explaining a general plan for making holidays more sacred and special but then also breaks down each of the major holidays, including fun seasons like summer break. As a working mom, I am often too busy focused on getting through each day to plan ahead and make our holidays as special as I want to. This book has empowered me to take back control and have lots of ideas and resources to make memorable, Christ-centered holidays a continued tradition for my family. I am so thankful for this book and can’t wait to live out the wonderful ideas I now have!

[Ashlee Brewington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really struggle with making the holidays meaningful but still getting everything done. I love that this book is more of a guide than a book and can be pulled out again and again. Becky’s wisdom and writing style speaks to this mama’s heart. It really makes you think about what’s important to you about each holiday and what can be given up to make the season more about whats important to your family.

I did receive an e-copy from the publisher, but this review is 100% my own opinion.

[Tammy Ecklund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need a resource to keep your holidays less chaotic? This is the book for you! It's a book that you'll be able to come back to over and over to keep track of what works for you and what doesn't. LOVE that there are so many holidays discussed in this book. It's the perfect tool to help you stay calm throughout the stress of holidays!

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are in a new season of only 2 adult kids and no spouses or grands yet. Holiday time together is short and can be stressful with trying to get in time together and cook and care for elderly in-laws as they come to eat 1 meal with us during the time the kids are home.

I've enjoyed this book and know it will help me focus adding some pre-planning and the main reason for a holiday.

.... saddle up sisters, Jesus wants you to draw near to Him and let Him walk you through all of the holidays.... even your own birthday. ♥ You & I can do this!

This is part book and part journal so it isn't a one-time read. There are places for journaling/notes so that you can look back on "last year" and continue making notes for future years. This will be one to come back to all through-out the year. It isn't just for Christmas and Easter.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m assuming that you’ve experienced chaotic and stressful holidays just like me. If I’ve assumed correctly and, like me, you want to have “less chaos, more Jesus” during the holidays...you need this book. I received an advance digital copy from the author to read and review without any kind of monetary gain and without any obligation to write a positive review. All the statements you read here are my sincere thoughts about this book. I love that the author addresses our regrets in Chapter 1 and helps to move readers towards letting go of them. In Chapter 2 she reassured us that she’s not telling us to take all the fun and “whimsy” out of the holidays - oh no, definitely include fun and whimsy!! Chapters 3-10 walk readers through a process of determining what is most important to them during each individual holiday (including birthdays). I’m a big fan of the process she’s laid out and I’m excited to implement it for our family. Her biggest reminder here is to take baby steps. You can’t realistically change everything at once. You’ll quickly become deflated and stuck in the same chaotic and disappointing rut you’re trying to escape. In part 3, comprised of chapters 11-17, she discusses what she refers to as “common struggles”. One that I automatically related to was chapter 12 about having realistic expectations - to quote her directly, “when we hold our high expectations next to our very normal reality, we will be frustrated.” So very true! The last chapter is titled “Be Yourself and Be with Others” - two very important things to remember. Let’s not put on a facade and pretend to be someone we’re not and be active in community. We all need a good, strong community. I hope you will purchase this book (preorder wherever books are sold!) and give it a read. It’s not a complicated book to read and you don’t even have to read part 3 to start implementing change. Becky Kiser has written an incredible resource for women who want to point their families to more of Jesus during the holidays.

[Barb Piacentino · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s here! The Holiday Season is upon us. Do you love it? Do you dread it? Are you overwhelmed by the thought of it? I’m a member of the former group. I love the holidays. For me it’s a time to regroup, come together as a family, and set apart time for a heart check. That’s why I thought this book wasn’t for me. But, I was wrong.

Sacred Holidays – Less Chaos, More Jesus

First, let’s be clear. This book is not just a Christmas and New Year’s book. The author, Becky Kiser, weaves Jesus into every holiday throughout the year including birthdays. And. She does it beautifully. No holiday is too churchy or pious that the fun or as she likes to say, “whimsy” is whisked away. Yet, Jesus is still present and central instead of the presents.

What I liked.

The thing that I liked best and pleasantly surprised me about this book was not only were there great ideas for each holiday, but Becky takes the time to address difficult topics such as grief, common struggles, and the Santa and Easter Bunny dilemma. By far, my favorite paragraph is the one titled “Stop Saying You Are So Busy.” I would like to personally recite that one on the evening news and across all social media platforms.

Recommendations

I would recommend this book as a gift this holiday season – perhaps to that friend or family member who consistently recounts their demanding schedule. This is also a great book for those who want to reinvent the holidays, birthdays and even the summer. Perhaps to relieve a bit of monotony and add some more Jesus into the equation. On the other hand, if you have been accused of taking too strict of an approach to the holidays this book will guide you into putting the “F” back into fun.

[Create With Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you love celebrating holidays – Christmas and New Year’s, Valentine’s and Easter, Thanksgiving, birthdays – but find that they don’t always turn out the way you imagined? Often, without our awareness, our vision of what our holidays should look like are shaped by images and messages from social media, books and magazines, celebrities and retail showrooms.

That’s where Becky Kiser comes in. Becky is the founder and CEO of Sacred Holidays—a ministry dedicated to helping women find less chaos and more Jesus during holidays through Bible study, community, resources, and lots of fun! Her goal is to help you celebrate holidays in a way that retain their whimsical charm while remaining sacred – holy and set apart.

In her latest book, Sacred Holidays: Less Chaos, More Jesus, Becky provides you with a 3-part road map that will help you become a masterful celebrator of meaningful holidays...

This excerpt is taken from the original review that is published on my blog. To read the remainder of my review, please visit Create With Joy.

[Theresa M Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

It does not matter the size of your family, the amount of time you do or don’t have, or even your profession. The holidays come to everyone at the same time and can create an avalanche of feelings that can overwhelm even the most organized, grounded person. Becky Kiser has taken a subject that most people groan about discussing and made it fun to open up and talk about.
Whether you are wanting to put more Jesus in your holidays or stop being so rigid with family traditions that nobody wants to be around during celebrations. The way Becky puts everything out in front is so relaxing and the fact the book is meant to be kept out and used over and over to continually enhance each season and celebration from birthdays to summer time to Christmas/Advent.
With this book, you can enjoy making the holidays your own and tweaking them for your family. I have not read a book like this before, and thoroughly enjoyed the freedom given to work out my own family’s wants and needs while receiving insight and ideas that have taken me down a different train of thought.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do yourself a favor listen to the audio version all the way through. Then get a physical copy and find the closest calendar holiday and get to work. I'm going into Thanksgiving & Christmas and 2020 with a vision for how I can make holidays sacred, fun and less stressful. Becky Kiser has given me that gift, and I am grateful. Becky shares information & truth in such a way, you feel like you can see her sincere, kind, honest heart right in front of you. This book is a resource, a resource that should become your planner's bestie. I'm actually thinking about taking my copy of "Sacred Holidays" somewhere to have it turned into a spiral bound book and adding tabs. This is a book that needs to be given to every person when they move out on their own and every couple as a part of premarriage counseling.