Ah, December, that glorious month when we celebrate the birth of our Savior.
Wait—do we? Take a big breath to read this next line: Or are we so busy decorating, cooking, shopping, crafting, wrapping, and attending festive events, that we grab the Bible on Christmas Eve for a quick recounting of Christ’s birth, and then get back to anticipating stockings and Christmas presents? (exhale)
Sometimes this season turns into a frenzy of activity, leaving us exhausted. This is probably not the way Christ wants us to celebrate His birthday.
What if, this year, you change it up? Let everyone know you’re blocking out ten full days this month to actually draw closer to the Lord. I teach early-morning Seminary, and I tell the students they are not only to know stories about Christ, but to know Christ. These suggestions can help you on that path. You can even share this list and do it with a friend or family member. They can be random days, but they’re yours.
- Stay off social media for an entire day. Hey, if you were taking a long flight somewhere, you’d turn your phone off, wouldn’t you? Or having a long surgery, or attending a special wedding, or serving in the temple— it is not impossible to put your phone down. Now meditate on the Lord, on His mission, His love for you, His incredible sacrifice, His resurrection. Let it really sink in. All day. At the end of the day, notice if you felt any promptings or impressions from the Holy Ghost. Journal about this day.
- Wear your temple garments intentionally. Don’t dress in a hurry; take a moment to look at them, feel them, hold them to your heart. Think about your covenants and blessings. Think about the percentage of the world’s population that is privileged to wear them. Remember them during the day, and let this amazing honor sink into your soul. And if you don’t wear them, set goals to do so.
- Pray to a Father who has known you forever– fully, down to your innermost concerns. Talk to Him without the standard phrasing we sometimes hear in prayers. Express your frustrations, your joys, the ways you want to change. Thank Him for sending His Only Begotten Son, and tell Him why you’re so grateful. Plead for guidance, peace, and greater faith. Ask Him to help you with any sticking points in your testimony. Pray many times on this day. And listen.
- Forgive someone. Yes, that person. Let go of those aching memories, the self-pity, the thoughts of revenge. Free yourself. When we’re ruminating, we’re not growing. Set boundaries for the person who hurt you, and stop slipping into despair. Move on with joy in the Lord.
- You know that person at work, or in your extended family, who annoys you? The one you try to avoid? Chances are, you aren’t the only one side-stepping this person. And if you think they haven’t noticed or felt lonely, you’re probably wrong. What if, instead of trying to tolerate this person, you reached out and asked them a sincere question? Maybe about their area of expertise. Or maybe just asking them about a favorite movie, vacation spot, hobby, or family memory? Take an interest in this other child of God. It may be the highlight of this person’s entire year.
- Take an inner-ventory, to coin a word. Check your private thoughts and see how many times a day you think something judgmental about someone else. Keep a count. If you’re like most people, you’ll be ashamed of how many times you leap to conclusions about another person. Now catch yourself and reframe the thought. Think something kind. Don’t fault-find, sigh, be jealous, or decide this person is inferior to you, but mentally form the words, “I love you.” You might want to do this for more than just one day, to lock in new habits and get rid of bad ones. What a gift to give Jesus!
- Spend a whole day becoming familiar with a scripture story you’ve never quite understood. Research it on the Church website, in books and manuals, and read articles or hear podcasts about it. Turn yourself from being uninformed into being an expert on just this one story.
- Buy a paper calendar—one that can hang on the wall, such as the beautiful 2026 Old Testament Come Follow Me calendar from Meridian Magazine. Many use their phones for calendars, but for this, you need to see the whole year at a glance. And here’s what you do: Mark a day every month to attend the temple. If you’re not yet temple-worthy, then make that a day of gathering Family History names. Check out my article about this here. Now, of course, things come up—vacations, illnesses, etc. But don’t cancel your temple day entirely; just reschedule it. This will ensure that you are enjoying the blessings in the Lord’s house on a regular basis.
- Get a Priesthood blessing to help you with whatever concerns you have right now. All day, contemplate what you are told. Pray for further understanding. Follow the directions you may have been given. In fact, make this a day of blessings and read your Patriarchal Blessing as well.
- Serve. If we had to guess “what would Jesus do” today, reaching out and helping others would likely be the answer. Think of the people you minister to, and others you know who are in need. They could be anybody. I don’t know a single person who doesn’t need some help, do you? And remember that sharing the gospel is serving. You are introducing the greatest event since the resurrection to someone who doesn’t yet know the marvel of the restoration. Simply let your light shine when a clerk asks what you’re doing this weekend. Tell them about your calling, the choir, the ward Christmas dinner, or a returning missionary. It may be now or later, but every little seed you plant may grow.
By taking Ten Days for Christ this month, you’ll have a completely different Christmas. Who knows—you may stick with this for every month of the New Year!
Joni Hilton’s booklet, A Little Christmas Prayer ($3.49), is a perfect for Christmas gift for everyone on your list!
MaryannDecember 8, 2025
I was a little hesitant to read this article because I thought, "Oh, boy, one more "TO DO' LIST. But, I was very happily surprised that the suggestions had more to do with growing in love ---taking time to be aware of our critical thoughts and lifting them, developing a more loving attitude, focusing more on our Savior and savoring his teachings in the scriptures and in the Temple, and, of course, reaching out in service, perhaps in small ways that don't overwhelm us. These suggestions do take effort, but they are very gentle and lift me instead of burying me under just too much. Thank you, Joni!
KathleenDecember 4, 2025
Great ideas for introspection, self-improvement and spiritually strenghthening the most important relationship in our lives. Thank you.