I know many of you are busily preparing for Christmas. Between end-of-year work responsibilities, holiday parties, and shopping, December can feel like a blur—especially when daily life doesn’t stop just because of the Holiday Season.
In fact, the Season can bring with it more stress, frustration, and worry than any other time of year. It can be a struggle to maintain the “holiday spirit” when you neglect the life of your soul. If this happens to you, always remember:
How to Minimize Holidays Stress
Tip #1: Check your calendar for regularly scheduled events that can be temporarily postponed or canceled.
What do you have regularly scheduled on a weekly or monthly basis – maybe a weekly meet-up, a conference call or a coaching group – that you should really consider postponing this month? Most people will probably be relieved that you did and thankful they don’t have to come up with an excuse as to why they can’t attend this time.
Look specifically at the things you do that move you forward, get organized, and create systems that allow you to spend more time with your family.
Tip #2: Don’t be afraid to delegate. One of the best things I ever did to make my holiday season less stressful and more fun is delegating someone else do the buying and wrapping the gifts. Yes, I personally come up with the gift and put the thought into it. But that’s just it! It’s the thought that counts!
Tip #3 –A REMINDER that Christ understands the challenges you face. When Jesus was made human, He fully experienced life on earth. He is described as a “man of suffering and familiar with pain” (Isaiah 53:3). He understands your circumstances and offers to walk you through them. (See Matt. 11:28-29.) Remember that Christ is called Emmanuel—”God with us.”
Tip #4 – REMEMBER JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON. In His abundant power and presence in every situation. Consider these words from the prophet Isaiah, who foretold of the coming of Christ and what it would mean to the world:
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government will be upon His shoulder,
and His name will be called
“Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
– Isaiah 9:6
Let these descriptive words sink into your heart:
Wonderful Counselor… Mighty God…
Everlasting Father… Prince of Peace…
Ask the Lord to reveal these attributes to you!
I hope you’ll consider putting these tips into action this year! I think sometimes we get caught up in traditions and expectations other people have for us and allow it to control our holiday season. But if it doesn’t actually bring you joy and feels like more of a burden, just drop it! And remember that this time of year isn’t about being stressed out and adding more things to your plate because of the holidays – it’s about spending more quality time with the people you love most and celebrating the true meaning of the holiday!!
