The Tale of Two Sisters: The Heart of the Holiday Season (A Reflection From Our Holistic Esthetician)

Let’s travel back a couple of thousand years – to a simple yet powerful tale of two sisters. 

This ancient story portrays an eye-opening, heart-softening, soul-connecting message that many of us might need, especially during the holidays.

With the weight of endless to-dos, hosting, relational tension and the pressure to perfectly curate a holiday experience, my hope is that these two sisters inspire a fresh take on this time of year. 

Let me introduce you to Mary and Martha – two sisters with two very different perspectives.

(Whether you’re familiar with this short story found in the Bible or it’s brand new to you, I’m grateful to get to briefly share it through a holiday lens.)

When it came to hosting a dinner party, these two sisters had different priorities and conflicting expectations. 

One was preoccupied with the practical preparations, overwhelmed and worried about getting it all done. The other was preoccupied with the person in front of her, listening intently and hanging on every word. 

Their good friend and guest of honor was Jesus – and while Martha was distracted with her tasks and complaining about doing it all alone, Mary sat and savored every second with their friend, fully present. (You might imagine how Martha felt as her sister enjoyed the party while she slaved away in the kitchen). 

Martha finally voiced her irritation and frustration, expecting Jesus to take her side – however, His reply surprised her. Jesus tells the two sisters: Mary has chosen what is better, to sit with me.

Not because preparation doesn’t matter, but because presence matters more.

Of course, when it comes to hosting guests or going to gatherings, there are meals to make, homes to tidy and gifts to wrap to help others feel warmly welcomed – yet may this tale of two sisters inspire a softer approach to hospitality and the holiday season ahead. 

May we not be so focused on setting the table that we forget to actually sit at it – to simply be with the very people we’ve lovingly prepared for.

In a society that celebrates productivity, perfection and curated squares on social media, it’s all too easy to slip into a cycle of performance that can never truly satisfy or settle our human soul.

Maybe this ancient story, and this holiday season, can serve as a gentle interruption to our tendency towards achievement and appearance. May it encourage us to reset our priorities and reframe this time of year as one of deepening presence, rather than delivering perfection.

What would it look like to simplify our task list to make more room for connection and conversation? To create more space to lock eyes, to hold hands, to listen intently, to extend compassion, to offer a warm drink and then to sit down and sip it, together.

On top of the societal (or self-inflicted) pressures, the holiday season can also feel deeply tender as families may be fractured, losses still feel fresh, prayers remain unanswered and joy that once arrived so vibrantly has been dimmed. 

Even here, in the hurt and the pain, may we choose presence – to sit with the aches, as well. Instead of hiding in the busyness (and the socially acceptable bustle) in order to avoid or dull the discomfort, may we bring our grief to the table, too. 

Maybe as we choose to courageously sit with the brokenness, we can begin to heal. 

May this holiday season be one of healing – healing disoriented priorities, distracted minds, disorganized attachments and disjointed relationships.

Whether you gather with your family of origin or your chosen family of friends, may you truly see the human hearts around you as you share a meal, share a conversation, hold a gaze and hold space.

This one’s for the Marthas (I’m right there with you). If your natural tendency is to express love and offer hospitality through practical preparations or to worry your way through your many to-dos, may you sprinkle intentional pauses into your prep or invite a person to join you in the process. You don’t have to overextend or overachieve – let connection weave its way into your creativity.

This one’s also for the Marys (I aspire to be more like you). If your natural tendency is to draw closer to others and engage in deep conversation, may you notice the one on the outskirts longing to belong or lend a helping hand (and with it, a moment of connection) to the one who can’t leave the kitchen. Your presence this season can leave a lasting impact by helping others feel seen and find belonging. 

We were divinely designed and made for meaningful connection – with God, with others and with ourselves. It’s no wonder then that this is actually one of the greatest health hacks. It’s here that we heal: mind, body, soul, spirit and yes… even skin. :)

May the story of Martha and Mary, this tale of two sisters, remind you of the heart of the holiday season and that the greatest gift of all is your presence.

XO, Courtney Goetz, Primally Pure’s Holistic Esthetician