The Gift of Presence: Why Leaders Should Pause This Christmas

There’s something unique about the week of Christmas. The pace slows, the world feels softer, and even the air carries a hint of magic. It’s a time for quiet mornings, crackling fires, and moments with loved ones that we’ll carry for a lifetime.

Or at least, it could be.

For leaders, the temptation to carry work into these sacred moments can be overwhelming. The meetings, the emails, the never-ending to-do list—they all clamor for our attention. And before we know it, we’ve missed the very thing this season offers: the chance to be fully present.

This temptation is true for everyone, but it’s especially true for team and organizational leaders.

Why This Christmas Should Be Different

What if this Christmas, you decided to put it all down?

What if you stopped trying to sneak in “just one more thing” and gave your family, your friends, and yourself the gift of your undivided attention? Leadership can feel relentless, but life—real, meaningful life—happens in the pauses we allow ourselves to take.

Leadership is about results. Sometimes, the best result is to pause. To rest. To be present with those around you. Rest is productive. It refuels you for what’s ahead.

This Christmas, I challenge you to embrace rest. Here’s how:

1. Define What Matters Most

• • Write down your top priorities for the week. Not work priorities. Life priorities.
  • Focus on relationships, reflection, and celebration.
  • Remember, work can wait; these moments won’t come again.

2. Set Boundaries Around Work

• • Turn off email notifications. Seriously, turn them off.
  • Put your phone on silent and resist the urge to “just check in.”
  • Let your team know you’re stepping away and trust them to handle it.

3. Create Time for Reflection

• • Take a journal or go for a walk—whatever helps you think.
  • Reflect on the past year:
    • What worked?
    • What didn’t?
    • Where did you grow?
  • Use this time for personal alignment and gratitude. Think of it as a reset for your soul.

4. Be Fully Present

• • When you’re with family or friends, truly be with them.
    • Put the phone down.
    • Look people in the eye.
    • Share stories and laugh.
  • Leadership is as much about connection as it is direction, and your presence is the most valuable gift you can give.

5. Remember the Bigger Picture

• • The story of Christmas is about the most extraordinary gift—Jesus entering the world in humility.
  • It’s a reminder that life isn’t about achievement but about love, grace, and hope.
  • Let the wonder of the season recalibrate your heart.

The Challenge

This week, I challenge you to step away from productivity and step into presence. Close the laptop. Turn off the notifications. Let your mind and heart be open. Resist the urge to lead your work; instead, lead your life.

The Gift

Rest isn’t the opposite of leadership; it’s part of it. When you put down your work, you show your team, your family, and yourself that the leader behind the title matters more than the work they produce.

This Christmas, give the best gift you can: your presence. And when the week is over and you return to the responsibilities of leadership, you’ll do so refreshed, refocused, and ready to lead well.

Merry Christmas!

Call to Action:

• How are you planning to pause this Christmas? Let me know in the comments or share this post with another leader who could use the encouragement.

Quotes for Inspiration:

• “Leadership isn’t about doing more; it’s about knowing when to stop.”
• “Rest isn’t the opposite of leadership; it’s part of it.”

Resources for Further Learning:

• “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer
• “Leading on Empty” by Wayne Cordeiro
• Explore my leadership resources at gavinadams.com.

One More Thing…

If you found this helpful, please pass it along to other leaders (and encourage them to subscribe!).

If you’re ready to accelerate your leadership, I’d be honored to help. Visit gavinadams.com to explore my systemic approach to leadership development and schedule a 30-minute conversation.

If you’re a church leader, be sure to visit the Church Accelerator Community.

Leading With You,
Gavin Adams