Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Dec. 24, 2024 – The idea that Christmas with family “must be perfect” is a common sentiment.

Media, advertisements, and movies often depict an idealized version of Christmas, reinforcing the belief that the holiday should be flawless and magical. People may feel pressured to create the “perfect” experience for their family, including perfect meals, gifts, decorations, and harmonious interactions. Family gatherings can be emotionally charged. Striving for an idealized holiday can contribute to anxiety, depression, and burnout, especially if things don’t go as planned.

A 2022 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 38% of people reported increased stress during the holidays due to financial pressure, family dynamics, and time management. Women, in particular, often take on the brunt of holiday preparations, leading to higher stress levels. Twenty-five percent of Americans report that family gatherings during the holidays can be tense or lead to arguments, according to studies by Pew Research. The average American spends about $1,000 during the holidays, which can add to the pressure of creating a perfect celebration. A survey by OnePoll found that 51% of respondents felt that the pressure to have a perfect Christmas negatively affected their enjoyment of the season.

We would all be better off stepping back, taking a deep breath, and relaxing more during the holidays. Maybe pick up a copy of the Bible lying around the house, dust it off, and turn to the Gospel of Luke. And just start reading. Read a sentence at a time. Consider the level of “perfectness” in each sentence.

Imagine you’re Mary. Or Joseph. Just for a moment. As you read.

Mary is traveling on her first Christmas. I imagine it’s a cold night. And probably not in comfortable transportation. She’s pregnant with a child that was conceived by God.  As the baby has grown, so has she. She and Joseph aren’t married. She’s probably been in many moments where she’s felt awkward, ashamed and even scared.

Joseph is traveling with Mary, who’s pregnant. He’s doing what he thinks is right. Yet he probably doesn’t really know why.

Trust me. Things on this first Christmas for Mary and Joseph are far from perfect.

Mary and Joseph arrive at their destination: Bethlehem. They head to the hotel. Or “the inn” as Luke references.

At “the inn” they’re told there is no room. That’s right, no occupancy. Sold out. Mary is about to give birth to the Son of God, and there’s no place for them to stay. They’re directed to a nearby barn and told they can sleep there. With the animals. The cows. The goats. The horses. Mary is about to have a baby, and she’s going to spend the night in a cold barn.

I am leaving early Thursday morning to drive to Mobile, AL to watch Arkansas State play Bowling Green in the 68 Ventures Bowl. I have reservations at the Marriott. If I get down there Thursday and the desk clerk tells me, “I’m sorry, Mr. Stafford, I have no room for you,” trust me, there will be a problem. And don’t EVEN tell me you’re going to send me out to the farm, to a barn, and my wife, Jenna and I can sleep in the hay. Don’t even tell me that!

Things for Mary and Joseph were NOT perfect. Yet, the biggest miracle ever happened on that first Christmas. After traveling through the cold night, being told there’s no room at the hotel, and laying down on hay in a barn, Mary gave birth to the Son of God. Whose life, death, burial and resurrection changed the world. A perfect plan fulfilled through less than perfect circumstances.

So, this Christmas, let’s celebrate imperfection. The meal? It doesn’t have to be perfect. The family? Everyone doesn’t have to be there at exactly the right time. The presents? The gifts will be fine…whether all of them got there in time or not. Step back, take a deep breath, relax, and just enjoy every minute, every second, with those around you.

Merry Christmas.

Trey Stafford