Welcome to a brand-new month and a brand-new series here on the Encouragement for Real Life Podcast called A Different Kind of December. If you’ve ever reached the end of December feeling rushed, pressured, overwhelmed, or like the whole month passed in a blur, this episode will meet you right where you are. This year, we are choosing something different—purpose over pressure, presence over perfection, and peace over performance.

Julie shares honestly about past Decembers that looked full and festive on the outside but left her exhausted and empty on the inside. She opens up about the year she chased the “perfect Christmas,” only to miss the heart of it entirely, and the year she lost her mom just nine days before Christmas. That season of deep grief slowed everything down and revealed what truly matters: the presence of God and the hope we have because Jesus came.

Choose a different kind of December this year.

In this episode, Julie invites you to:

• Reflect on what typically steals your peace in December
• Notice where pressure shows up and what sets your pace
• Ask God, “What do You want this season to look like in my heart?”
• Choose a word for the month to anchor your intentions (Julie’s word is presence)
• Embrace small, simple practices that help you savor this season instead of sprint through it

You’ll also hear biblical encouragement from Romans 12:2 and Proverbs 16:3 as we consider what it looks like to let God shape our December—at His pace, not culture’s pace.

Friend, you don’t drift into an intentional December. You decide into it. And today, we choose a different kind of December—one marked by Jesus, joy, stillness, and the wonder of what we celebrate.

If this episode encourages you, share it with a friend who could use a calmer, more meaningful season. And be sure to check out Julie’s brand-new online shop for encouraging gifts designed to uplift every heart this December.

Links in this episode:

• Last week’s episode 226, Real Talk with Morgan and Paige, My Kids by Marriage
• Romans 12:2 Voice
• Proverbs 16:3 NIV
• Contact Julie to share your December word or share it with her on social media
• Check out Julie’s Shop
• Ready to work one-on-one with Julie? Schedule your free Abundant Life Connection Call
• Access Julie’s free Resource Library to encourage your heart
• Find this podcast on YouTube

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