In our world today, it has become surprisingly rare to find people who are fully present in the moment. We’re surrounded by distractions—cell phones, AirPods, notifications—and giving our complete attention to anything has become harder than ever. It almost feels like an old-fashioned practice, and being present this Christmas requires an intentional shift in how we live and pay attention.
As we reflect on the Christmas story, we see a powerful reminder: Christ gave us the ultimate gift of presence. His name Emmanuel says it plainly—God with us (Matthew 1:23).
A Personal Confession About Presence
When I think about being present, I must confess—I get incredibly frustrated when speaking with someone who keeps glancing at their phone. (Of course there are times when I myself am guilty too!) I understand that emergencies happen, but most of the time it’s simply a conditioned response to a notification ding.
When that happens, I often stop talking until I have the person’s full attention again. I don’t love doing that, but it highlights an important truth: true communication only happens when attention is undivided.
And then I have to turn that question back on myself.
- Am I easily interrupted during my Bible reading if my phone pings?
- Do I think about my grocery list during the Sunday sermon?
- Do I drift to work responsibilities while reading God’s Word?
Being present with God requires intention. It requires stillness. And it requires awareness.
This posture of stillness is something I’ve been thinking about this year, especially in my earlier post, Prepare Him Room This Christmas, where I share more about making intentional space for Jesus amid the noise.
Becoming Aware of Our Distractedness
We can’t practice being present at Christmas—or any other time—until we recognize how easily distracted we really are. Awareness is the first step. Once we acknowledge our tendency to drift, we can take practical steps to be more present each day, especially during the holidays.
Here are a few simple ways to begin practicing presence.
How to Be More Present at Christmas
1. Put the Phone Away
Your family will appreciate it more than you realize. Anything you miss will still be there later.
If you can’t put it in another room, leave it in your car or simply turn it off for a while.
2. Slow Down and Observe
There is so much beauty throughout the Christmas season, but we often rush right past it.
Pause long enough to see things like:
- Christmas lights glowing at night
- Storefront decorations
- Fresh snowfall up north
- Blue skies and lighted palm trees down south
- Carefully wrapped gifts
- A nativity set reminding us of the true reason we celebrate
The beauty is there. We just have to slow down enough to notice it.
3. Engage Fully With the People Around You
Earlier this year, at our daughter’s wedding, I was so fully present that I didn’t take a single picture. Not one! I simply enjoyed the day—every moment of it. Thankfully, the professional photographer captured it all beautifully, but it was incredibly freeing to forget about my phone for nearly four hours.
And I did the same at her stateside reception—again, not a single photo. I was just… there. Fully present. Fully engaged. And it was wonderful!
Try it. Interact with the real people around you:
- Smile at the cashier
- Wave at your neighbor
- Listen—really listen—to that quirky uncle
- Step away from the digital world and into the richness of human connection
You may find yourself craving that deeper human presence more often. And you may even choose to leave your phone behind on purpose.
A Resource to Help You Slow Down
If you’re looking for a simple way to practice stillness and draw closer to the Lord this season, I created a 7-Day Christmas Devotional designed to help you quiet the noise and refocus your heart. Each short reading invites you to pause, reflect, and be more present with Jesus—Emmanuel, God with Us.
A Final Invitation
Let’s be more present this Christmas—before our Lord, and with one another.
The greatest gift you can offer this season may simply be your presence.
Know someone who could use a reminder to slow down this Christmas? Share this message with them.
Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest for more thoughtful reflections and everyday encouragement.