Despite the joy and laughter, the twinkling lights, and nostalgic music, the snowflakes and the glitter, the holidays can be hard for so many reasons. It can be stressful, challenging, painful, and lonely. Sometimes we wonder if we can’t just skip over it completely because we aren’t enjoying the holidays, we are barely surviving the holidays. If this is something you’re going through, keep reading to find out how to refocus yourself to make your holidays a little brighter this year.
1. Find Joy in the Present
We’ve all lost loved ones whether it was during the holiday season or their absence makes the holiday season that much harder. Given, there’s nothing that can take that pain away, however choosing to focus on the blessings you’ve been given can help you refocus your perspective on something more beneficial. Focus on the blessing of having them in your life and remember their memory by reflecting on times shared with them. Focus on the blessings of everyone else who is a part of your life and the unique and special contribution they bring to your life.
2. Remember the Reason for the Season
This time of year isn’t about store bought gifts, a clean house, Christmas trees, Santa Clause, or a big table spread of food. Christmas is a reflection and celebration of the birth of Christ and we celebrate by serving and giving to others just like God gave the world His beloved Son and Jesus gave His life so we could be saved. It’s about the community we have with family and friends whom we can love and enjoy. If you find your world is too closed in, maybe it’s time to remember why we celebrate Christmas and what the purpose behind this holiday is about.
3. Know Your Boundaries
Just because it’s Christmas, doesn’t mean you should feel obligated to pour so much of yourself out and into others that there’s nothing left in the end to keep you running. You don’t have to spend more than you have on a gift for someone, you don’t need to make every dish you have planned, and you don’t have to go to every holiday gathering. Anxiety and stress don’t have to be something you receive this time of year. Know your boundaries with family, finances, and expectations.
From my family to yours, we wish you a joyous time of year filled with love and peace. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!
