The week between Christmas and New Year’s can feel like a soft landing: sweatpants, slow mornings, and a rare sense of completion. We lean into that pause and ask a bigger question—how do we finish the year well so we can begin the next aligned with God’s heart? With Scripture as our guide, we explore the joy of ending strong without striving, and the freedom to rest while still preparing our steps for what’s ahead.

We start by reframing the calendar as training for a longer race. Drawing from 2 Timothy 4, we talk about what it means to “keep the faith” when distractions multiply and itching ears chase easy answers. Then we pivot to purpose: we were made to worship and enjoy God, image-bearers restored by Christ’s coming. From there, we offer three practical anchors for the final stretch of December—purpose, praise, and prayer—each grounded in passages like Ephesians 2:10, Psalms 103/145/150, Proverbs 16:3, and Hebrews 12:1–2. You’ll hear simple, honest reflection prompts to assess drift and fruit, and encouragement to let praise become the daily soundtrack that builds trust for the year ahead.

As we close, Psalm 90 gives language for wisdom and work: teach us to number our days, establish the work of our hands. We celebrate the small victory of completion, enjoy the gift of rest, and lace up for the next lap with our eyes fixed on Jesus. If you’re craving a clear, faith-filled roadmap into the new year—one that trades pressure for presence and resolutions for reliance—this conversation will steady your heart and sharpen your focus.

If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s setting goals, and leave a quick review. Your feedback helps more listeners find gospel-centered encouragement for the year ahead.

Connect with me!
You can find me on Instagram @mrs.leannetuggle or you can email me at leanne.tuggle@gmail.com. I love hearing from you!

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What if your home became the place where people exhale the moment they walk in? That picture guides our conversation with Deanne, a longtime friend who has spent decades turning ordinary rooms into a refuge—welcoming neighbors, college kids, missionaries, and foster children with a calm, open-handed approach that prioritizes people over performance.

We unpack the real difference between entertaining and hospitality and why it matters most during the holidays. Deanne shares how she moved from a packed December calendar and Pinterest-perfect checklists to a slower, simpler season built around what her family actually loves—favorite foods, nights at home, and unhurried conversations. You’ll hear practical ways to host without stress: paper plates, takeout pizza, game nights, and small, repeatable rhythms that make guests feel seen and safe. We also talk about involving kids so hospitality isn’t a one-woman job—letting them choose traditions, help set the table, play music for neighbors, and own small acts of service that grow into a shared family culture.

Rooted in biblical hospitality, we explore how to create a life-giving space where expectations soften and presence grows. From the Jesse Tree to shared Advent readings, these simple practices keep Jesus at the center and turn the month into a time of spiritual formation rather than frantic activity. Anchored by Psalm 85’s promise of peace and harvest, this episode invites you to reclaim your home as a haven: less noise, more grace, and an open door that people want to walk through again.

If this conversation helps you breathe a little easier, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a review with one simple tradition that centers your season.

Connect with me!
You can find me on Instagram @mrs.leannetuggle or you can email me at leanne.tuggle@gmail.com. I love hearing from you!

Would you like more weekly encouragement? Subscribe to my newsletter Whatever is Lovely and be inspired to open your inbox again.
https://leannetuggle.myflodesk.com/v3r2zwdaik

If this is your first time here and this episode resonated, hit “subscribe” and submit a 5-star rating if you feel genuinely inspired to. Your positive feedback means the world to me!

Episode Sponsors:
Rodan + Fields - Take this brief quiz to find your customized skincare routine!

Red Aspen - Skip the salon appointment and shop here for hands that are hardworking AND elegant.

Whatever is Lovely - Subscribe here to the weekly newsletter designed to encourage you with words of wisdom and relatable content. Be inspired to open your inbox again.

What if the most memorable part of December isn’t the packed calendar but the quiet moments at home? We open the bins of decorations and talk about a countercultural Christmas built on simple traditions, secret generosity, and a steady gaze on Jesus. From watercolor afternoons and gingerbread chaos to favorite stories read by the tree, we reframe “holiday magic” as presence over performance.

Together, we push back against the cultural current that glorifies busy. We walk through practical ways to reject the rush—starting with the planner—by choosing one or two aligned events and protecting unhurried evenings. We share our “one thing” daily focus, why Mary’s habit of treasuring and pondering still speaks, and how morning time with Scripture resets the heart. Then we step into giving: a humble wooden manger that fills one straw at a time for unprompted kindness, neighbor cookie deliveries that light up a block, and ideas for quiet service that doesn’t ask for credit. We also rethink kids’ gifts with a simple three-gift approach that calms expectations and elevates gratitude.

At the center is Christ. We reflect on John 1:14 and the joy of Advent practices that trace the story from creation to the cradle, keeping Jesus in view even as we enjoy seasonal fun. Expect Scripture anchors, family-tested rhythms, and gentle challenges to prepare hearts more than homes. If you’re hungry for a slower season, clearer priorities, and a home that feels like peace, this conversation is your starting place.

If this episode helps you breathe easier this December, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

Recommended Resources:

The Giving Manger

The Wonder of the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp

Connect with me!
You can find me on Instagram @mrs.leannetuggle or you can email me at leanne.tuggle@gmail.com. I love hearing from you!

Would you like more weekly encouragement? Subscribe to my newsletter Whatever is Lovely and be inspired to open your inbox again.
https://leannetuggle.myflodesk.com/v3r2zwdaik

If this is your first time here and this episode resonated, hit “subscribe” and submit a 5-star rating if you feel genuinely inspired to. Your positive feedback means the world to me!

Episode Sponsors:
Rodan + Fields - Take this brief quiz to find your customized skincare routine!

Red Aspen - Skip the salon appointment and shop here for hands that are hardworking AND elegant.

Whatever is Lovely - Subscribe here to the weekly newsletter designed to encourage you with words of wisdom and relatable content. Be inspired to open your inbox again.