It’s okay; you can take that big releasing breath you’ve been holding ever since the first “Joy to the World” was sung. The holiday prep, the weeks of parties and prayer, and the special day itself, so full of that true joy have come to an end. And sometimes the constant go-go-go can keep us from the rest Jesus’ birth invites us into.
When I think of the Nativity scene, I think of the stillness, the quiet night, the peace that comes with newborn children, families gathering, and spending time with our Lord. Jesus once said, “Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). And after a long year, we probably all feel the need to find our way back to the spiritual and physical nourishment shared through His birth. Christmas night holds many secrets of this kind of refreshment, so let’s pursue Jesus and His everlasting peace and rest together through the Nativity as we draw close to the most wonderful end of the year.
Back to the Manger
The Hay
Think about the hay that cradled our Lord Jesus as a baby. Nature swaddled Jesus, keeping Him warm and safe even amid the cold elements of the outdoors. In the upcoming new year, allow time to be in the stillness and peace of nature; whether it be a refreshing walk outside or watering an indoor plant, be like our Lord and let the earth comfort you amid the craziness of daily life.
The Manger
Consider the simple and humble manger where our Lord laid His sweet head. We can hear God well when we choose simplicity and to live with less in our lives: fewer things, fewer things to do, fewer stressors, fewer worldly distractions enveloping us. We can find this simplicity by regularly sitting in silence with the Lord, decluttering and donating unwanted things from our homes, cleaning our living spaces, and cooking more meals at home rather than ordering in or eating out. Ask God how He wants you to pursue physical and spiritual simplicity in this year ahead.
The Animals
Think about the animals that kept Jesus and His family company in Bethlehem. If you have a furry companion in your life, be with them. Let these animals help you stay present to the moment and cozy when you struggle to sit still and relax this holiday season . . . or at any time in the new year.
The Christmas Night
Ponder the beautiful, dark Christmas night when Jesus was born. In all things, true peace and stillness come when we sit in the quiet, and according to Saint Teresa of Calcutta, “In the silence of the heart, God speaks” (In the Heart of the World). Sometimes silence comes from noise-canceling headphones, a sound machine, turning off music in the car, or a peaceful chapel; wherever it is waiting for you in your life, pursue it, and find rest in it like the Holy Family did on that Holy Night.
The Holy Family
Think of the Holy Family being together on that first Christmas Eve. Our Lord showed us first and foremost how important it is to spend quality time with loved ones. Let us follow His lead and carve out time to just be with our friends and family this upcoming year.
The Baby Jesus
Contemplate Jesus Christ, the newborn Infant Who came to save us from our sins, but for now, is just a small baby. Let’s allow Jesus’ birth be a time to start over, a spiritual reset for all the ways we want to seek peace and holiness as His disciples in the year to come. Where do you need a spiritual refresh in 2026?
The Shepherds
Think about the shepherds who dropped everything to be at Jesus’ side. For it is written, “So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger” (Luke 2:16). We should be like those first disciples and put aside all things to rest with Christ in the year to come: in prayer, in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, in the people around us.
The Magi
Think of the magi who brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Lord. Giving gifts is always kind and good, but we should never let them distract us from the true gift this season: Jesus Christ being born to save the whole world. Let this also be a time of release and detachment from unnecessary worldly things that don’t hold heavenly worth. What can we release and give back to Jesus Christ and others this Christmas season?
The Angel
Consider the angel of the Lord who greeted the shepherds that night. The angel sang, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors” (Luke 2:14). Ask your own guardian angel to guide you to where you’ll find God’s peace in this upcoming year. Then, seek it, and His holy nourishment will surely follow.
The Star
Ponder the bright star that guided the shepherds and magi to the Nativity scene. The magi “were overwhelmed with joy” at seeing the star, which lit the way for these followers of Christ to find Him, drawing them to be who they were meant to be (see Matthew 2:10). In my life, my “stars” have always been times spent in front of the monstrance in Adoration, moments where I witness others being kind, and the love I receive from my favorite people. As we continue this Christmas season, let us look for the brightness in our lives, for the gifts God has given us amid any darkness, and there we will be refreshed and empowered in the Lord.
O Holy Night and Beyond
As a new year begins in a few days, remember the Nativity and the rest and nourishment the Lord wants to bring us in 2026. May that Holy Night carry us into a brand new life radiant in the joy that Jesus’ birth brings and all the peace that flows from Him.
Liz Homick works at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. as the loudest and most talkative librarian in the building. Since backpacking Europe for six weeks after graduating with her Master’s in Library Science, Liz is a huge advocate of solo travel and attending Mass in every language imaginable. She believes in unconditional kindness and existing brightly despite life’s storms.
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