Choosing An Outfit For The Holidays?

Choosing What To Wear For The Holidays?
Here we are, solidly into December—up to our elbows in holiday preparations. Not only are we hunting for awe-inspiring gifts for everyone in our lives, we’re also trying to land on something cozy and festive to wear to the parties where we hand those gifts out. Some people in my family will show up in full sequins and satin, while others are strictly a flannel-and-jeans crowd. My in-laws can be counted on to arrive in sweaters and corduroys. And when my girls were little, I always wanted them in velvet Christmas dresses.
But I recently read this passage from Colossians, and suddenly the “what should I wear?” question took on an entirely different meaning:
“So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.… And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.”
—Colossians 3:12–17 (MSG)
My takeaway? Before I ever step into a holiday gathering, I need to make sure my inner wardrobe is in place.
Before I worry about which outfit I’ve already been photographed in or which color looks most on trend, (chocolate brown,) I want to arrive with my inner game tuned up. Taking time to reflect on my identity in Christ can change my whole posture. We are chosen, loved, set apart, and made holy. That alone is enough to silence insecurity and fear. It’s the best news in the room.
My mother used to say, “Posture makes the outfit—stand up straight!” And she wasn’t wrong. But Colossians reminds me that the posture that matters most is the posture of the heart. Before we cross the threshold into any party, let love be what straightens our spine. Let our awareness of God’s extravagant generosity make us generous with others. We put off insecurity, and we put on love. We choose to see the people in the room as image-bearers—not irritations or inconveniences.
We can also ask God to help us put on compassion. Some of us are naturally good at noticing the tired, the hurting, or the newcomer standing alone. Others of us need the Holy Spirit’s gentle nudge. But compassion simply begins with curiosity:
“How are you really doing?”
Love becomes visible through kindness—love in action. It might look like opening a door, helping carry a tray, or offering a small word of encouragement. One intentional act at a time.
And then, humility—the quiet, steady attitude of teachability and servanthood. Humility isn’t thinking less of ourselves; it’s thinking of God and others more. It’s staying rooted. It’s abiding.
So whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or stepping into someone else’s home this season, choose your cozy sweater or your elevated holiday outfit. Enjoy the sequins, the velvet, the twinkle lights.
But above all—remember that the Holy Spirit is with you.
He can coach you.
He can form compassion in you.
He can strengthen humility within you.
And He can teach you, moment by moment, to put on love—your all-purpose garment, the one piece you should never leave home without.
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