How to start a family rest day for Christians

Last Updated on February 25, 2025 by Andrea

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Weekends

On Saturday you can often find me rushing around. If I’m not at a BJJ competition with my son, I’m wrapping up work, cleaning house, grocery shopping, baking/cooking, and tying up a million loose ends from the week before. A few Saturdays each month I’m also getting ready for a date with my husband. I’m generally pretty scattered on Saturdays.

Ah, but Sunday.

I don’t mind being a little crazy on Saturdays because I know Sunday is coming. I know that after church the next day, I can come home and just BE. I’ve talked about rest before, and today I wanted to revisit it with some ideas for how to start a family rest day.

How to get started

The best way to get started is to decide a family rest day is important for your family. Not sure?

There are mental, physical, and spiritual benefits of rest. Want a foretaste of heaven? We get that when we take a day of rest. Want a break from the rushing? That’s your Sabbath rest.

I know, there’s a lot to do. Kids need to finish homework, you have to finish laundry, and your spouse needs to finish mowing lawn.

All of those activities are important, but there are six other days.

Once you make a decision to establish a Sabbath rest, you find time during the other six days to do those tasks. Part of the key to a successful rest day is to commit to it. And get the whole family involved. Having everyone on board makes the gift of the Sabbath that much sweeter. Young families are well served to start this tradition early so it becomes a routine from the beginning.

You’ve decided to have a family rest day – a Sabbath day – so now what? If you want me to give you a list of rules, dos and do nots, you are at the wrong website. That approach is legalistic. And Jesus took legalism away from us (Praise God).

The better question is how will you spend your day?

Think of all the things you’ve wanted to do that are restful or fun – that’s what you shoot for! Praise God that you have a day to enjoy your family – one of the greatests gifts He has given you.

What does a family rest day look like?

The rest day may look a bit different for each family member. In my house a family rest day often includes family time – watching movies and playing games. In the summer it may include spending time in the pool. Sometimes we take a nap on Sunday afternoon. We always start with church. But after that, we just do relaxing things to spend quality time together.

Like puzzles? Sabbath is a great day for it!

Long to start a craft project with your child? Go for it!

Wish you had time for Bible study? Sunday is a great time to start!

Want to binge-watch some show for the whole day with your spouse? Family rest day to the rescue!

Does it mean you “can’t” cook dinner or do laundry? Of course not. I generally do cook on Sundays. The key is to focus on what God has given you – the blessings he has showered upon you. Spend time with Him doing your favorite things – read your Bible, play a Bible game, start a Bible trivia competition with your family or take a long walk. While it’s good to focus on spiritual practices you can also simply focus on fun in the family like playing a board game or video games with the kids (my kids love it when I do this!).

It takes time

For most families, a family rest day won’t happen overnight. It takes time to establish new routines. If you don’t go to church, that’s a great first step. Don’t have a local church? Try this resource to find one.

Going to church? Now try planning for a rest day. Work on getting your list done in 6 days, then plan something fun for after church on Sunday morning (or whatever day you worship). Once the family gets in the habit, you’ll find you look forward to it every week!

Taking one day off from the list often means advance prep. I like to take time on Friday evening to see what MUST be done on Saturday in order to take off the entire day on the Lord’s day. Then Saturday evening remind the family the next day will be a day of rest. Talk about what that looks like and ask what people want to do with that time. Make a list of things that the family wants to do during the time together. Make time to do some of those things each Sunday.

Treat this rest day like a special occasion. Try playing ball in the park, fishing, catching bugs, watching movies, reading a good book, touring a local town, prepping some good food as a family, serving neighbors, dancing a silly dance – whatever brings you joy with your family. Don’t worry about the to-do list – you have the rest of the week next week to work on it.

Start small or jump in – but get started! Pray and let the holy spirit guide you.

** Let me know in the comments how you enjoy spending you family rest day. **

Peace & blessings,

🌸 Andrea

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