Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel. (Isa. 7:14)
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. And yet somewhere amid all the Holiday bustle, the gift wrapping and last-minute Christmas shopping, it can be easy to get so wrapped up in the chaos that we forget to truly celebrate the things worth cherishing in our lives. In the mental health profession, it is well known that the phones start ringing off the hook at this time of the year. Although this is a season of warmth and joy for many, for others it can be a reminder of old wounds, a time of true family dysfunction, or a time of grieving for the ones that are no longer able to make Christmas dinner. Whether you find yourself more akin to Buddy the Elf or the Grinch (pre-heart transformation) this Christmas season, we can all use some helpful tips to make our season even brighter.
- Soak up the holiday vibes.
Get into the Holiday spirit. Pump the Christmas jams. Grab a few of your favorite seasonal items and enjoy the special things you only get to enjoy this time of the year. Is it a big chunk of peppermint bark you’re craving? Perhaps some eggnog? Indulge. This is the time for it baby.
- Get your Christmas shopping done early.
Last minute holiday shopping makes the top 5 list of the most stressful aspects of the season. This year refuse to be that person running around Target at 8 pm Christmas Eve trying to find Aunt Susie a Christmas gift. Set aside an afternoon or two to make a thoughtful list and bang out the majority of the shopping. Remember, online shopping is your friend!
- Set a Christmas budget.
Although it takes a little advanced planning, setting a Christmas budget is one of the top ways to reduce your stress around the holidays. In our family, we set aside a little money for Christmas all year round, so that when December strikes, we can buy gifts without the hassle of wondering how we are going to pay our other December bills.
- Treat yourself.
Are you hoping for that one special gift? Are you hoping your significant other is able to read your mind and select the perfect gift just for you? Let’s face it. No one knows you like you. Make it a priority to be kind to yourself this season and gift yourself. Or look forward to treating yourself in January!
- Create the memories you want to create.
So many of our holiday plans are dictated by other people placing demands on our time. We have obligations to family, to work, and to make it to that annual holiday party that happens every year. Ever find yourself wishing the holidays could look different? Carve out the time to make the memories that matter to you! Whether it’s a special holiday date night with your sweetie or a special tradition you start with your kids, make time to do the things that are most meaningful to you.
- Find time away from the holiday chaos.
The holiday season is hustling and bustling. It can be overwhelming. Find time for the Christmas parties and the quiet times at home watching your favorite Christmas classic and enjoying some classic holiday sweets. Don’t forget to find time to enjoy the stillness this Holiday season.
- Don’t forget what makes the season merry and bright.
Lastly, don’t forget why we celebrate Christmas to begin with. This is a time that we choose to remember God’s love and care for us. We remember that this is the time that God put skin on and came into our world, to seek us out and invite us to celebrate the holidays as a son or a daughter in his family. He sought us out when we were far and brought us close. Christmas is one day that takes on special significance, as we think about all he has made possible and all he has blessed us with every day of the year. Don’t lose sight of it.
Praying your holiday season is truly magical and full of all the things that bring you joy and laughter. Most of all, I pray it is filled with God’s peace and His presence.
