I love Thanksgiving and Christmas. I have so many sweet holiday memories and so many opportunities for joy, so I look forward to this season every year. Yet I also ache for the broken hearts that must endure the holidays with ripples of grief and hurt from a myriad of past trials and losses. This blend has planted a deeper appreciation for what I have, mingled with a desire to share that sweetness with others.
Whether you are diving into the holidays with great anticipation or aching dread, my hope and prayer is that these tips will allow for peace and joy to soak into every corner of your heart as you navigate this season.
Prioritize Prayer
Start each day with Jesus.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6-7
What an encouragement to have the first Person we talk to in the morning be the One who owns and directs every moment! When our hearts are full of concerns and plans and heavy thinking, bringing everything to Jesus helps us remember that we can trust Him to work everything to His glory and our good.
Set Realistic Expectations
Plan within your capabilities.
For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Luke 14:28
So often we create grandiose ideas, building up our expectations of how everything will happen, from the multi-course meal to the extensive decorations, to everyone’s conversations and attitudes. When we define our success and place our happiness in things we have no way of being sure of, however, we are bound to be disappointed. Instead, creating small, manageable goals and prepping them well will help avoid deflated dreams and bitterness.
Be Flexible
Accept that things may not go according to plan.
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Planning is wise and good and beautiful. It allows us to measure our moments and allocate our energy appropriately through the day. But we must remember that only the very best plan–God’s plan–will stand. And when we remember that His plan is a reflection of His character (good, perfect, and full of love for us), we can accept His redirection with joy and confidence.
Have a Backup Plan
Prepare for unexpected changes to reduce stress.
Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.' James 4:15
Just as we are to hold our hopes loosely, there is wisdom in being prepared to cover for the plans that end up breaking. For example, if you’re not sure you’ll be able to pull off the homemade garlic knots for dinner, a bag of rolls in the freezer can remove that stress, and making sure the car has a full tank of gas will eliminate that last minute stop before the candlelight service at church.
Limit Commitments
Be selective about engagements to avoid burnout.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1Â
There are SO MANY good things to be a part of! Yet if we were to accept every holiday invitation, take on all the guests, do all the crafts, participate in all the ministries, etc. we would quickly run out of time and energy and enthusiasm. When we prayerfully sift through the good and commit only to the best, however, we can show up with excellence and grace.
Focus on Jesus
Keep Christ at the center of your celebrations.
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2
When our attention and purpose is Christ everything else will fade. Remembering that all our preparation is in celebration of Jesus, we can plan with joy. Remembering that our investments of time and energy are to worship him, we can work with reverence. And remembering that showing love to those around us is a reflection of the gospel, we can serve with hope.
Focus on Gratitude
Keep a running list of things you are thankful for.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Whether you keep a journal, decorate your bathroom mirror with sticky notes, or hang thanks tags on your Christmas tree, visual reminders of the endless blessings God has given us can realign our attention when we are feeling discouraged or unsatisfied.
Reevaluate Screen Time
Make tech intentional.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1
Unless our screen time is deliberate, it is easy for us to lose time, purpose, and perspective, and we often miss out on occasions to bless those around us. Tech can be wonderful for information, connection, and intentional rest, but when left without boundaries, can passively eat away at our opportunities and joy.
Cultivate Beauty
Create an environment that reflects your faith.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right… Philippians 4:8
Intentionally placing beautiful things in our home can help reset our hearts from chaos to comfort. This could include scooching the laundry to the arms of the couch to place a throw pillow in the middle, collecting a few sprigs of the backyard tree for a bouquet in a cute mug, playing some favorite tunes (as background music or a dance party), or settling down with a cup of tea.
Share Your Faith
Use this time to share the message of Jesus with those around you.
Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Mark 16:15
The Christian’s greatest mission on earth is to make disciples. When we are mission minded, our holiday preparations will be centered around the gospel, and we will be less likely to miss out on opportunities to showcase Christ. The turkey may burn, the tablecloth may be wrinkled, and Uncle Joe may have gotten stuck in the recliner, but if at the end of the day the good news is celebrated, the holiday is a success.
Close the Year with Hope
As the year ends, reflect on your spiritual growth and set goals for the coming year.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:19
As we put the china away and vacuum up pine needles, cultivating a heart of hope can help ring in the next season with great expectation. True hope is founded on Jesus and His perfect love for us, and as we center our hearts on who He is and what He’s done we can enter the New Year with assurance that all He has perfectly planned will be beautiful and good.
Fantastic advice and encouragement!