Hi Friends!

 

 

While some of us are already excited about Christmas decorations and Hallmark movies, others can barely imagine the holidays amid all the uncertainty or family tension. Perhaps you're whispering under your breath, “Barb, I’m dreading this holiday season.” You’re not alone. There’s a heaviness in our world these days.

Which means we need this Thanksgiving and Christmas season more than ever.

 

Both holidays invite us to turn our focus back to God. Too often, we make the holidays about who’s coming for dinner or what we’re buying for others. We push our time with God to the sidelines as we rush by. 

 

Maybe, just maybe, this can be the year we prepare our hearts to put God at the center of our celebrations in a fresh way. Imagine the blessings that could come if we slowed our busyness and created more space for time with God and with others.

 

Today, let’s talk about three ways to avoid sabotaging our joy or ending up overwhelmed during the holidays, no matter what’s happening around us. For each one, I’ve included a link to a previous Happy Monday devotion for those who want a deeper dive.

 

 Let's go!

 

 

 

Each year, many of us chase the ghosts of Thanksgivings and Christmases past. Dear friend, if this is you, it's time to let go of the picture in your head of what used to be. Trying to recreate those past moments only leaves you discouraged, and you miss out on what is in front of you now.

 

In Philippians 3, Paul writes about how a mature believer moves. In verse 13, he shares his journey and godly wisdom for us: not to look back because God has a great adventure of faith and purpose waiting for us. If we're too busy looking back, we'll miss it.

 

While the holidays often remind us of who is no longer with us or how times have changed, there's also a flip side. The holidays testify to God's provision, promises, faithfulness, and hope. As His children, we're privileged to join Him wherever He is working in our world. The question is, are you willing to let go of the past and look around to see where God is at work?

 

Consider this: What would it look like for you to join God in what He might be doing around you? Perhaps God may change your plans and use you to be more present with friends and family who may need a listening ear more than a fancy dinner. Your friends may need more hugs than the perfect gift.

 

Look forward and look out for where God is working. If it's hard to let go of how the holidays used to be, you aren't alone. Here is a past devotion with an exercise to help you let go and have an emotional funeral.

 

 

This may sound radical, even impossible, but since God ordained it and Jesus affirmed it, I'm going to ask you to mark off your Sabbath rest days before the holidays begin.

If you do not set aside these weekly rest days now, every day will fill up with good things, and you will overwhelm and burn yourself out. You know this is true.

Here's the thing: God did not give us these seasons to celebrate and then expect us to wear ourselves out by working seven days a week to prepare for them. That is not of God!

 

Start now by taking a weekly rest so you can establish that rhythm before the holidays. Trust me, it's worth it! You'll be calmer, have more patience, and be more present with loved ones. Most of all, you'll be blessed! Here's a previous devotion if you need to revisit how to take a weekly day of rest.

 

What holiday event, activity, or preparation stresses you out each year? If it's tough to remember, look through the pictures on your phone to jog your memory.

These are the things that need to go on your "to-don’t list." This is a list of things you've pre-decided not to do. For those who struggle with people-pleasing, a to-don’t list is crucial. If you already know that attending your neighborhood party will stress you out, add it to the list and send your regrets before the invitations go out. If you're too tired to have all the grandkids over to make cookies this year, add that to the list now and let the family know so they can make alternative plans.

 

If you're not sure what should be on your to-don’t list, ask God. I love this reminder:

 

 

The best way to ask God for wisdom is to write out everything you tend to do for the holidays and pray over it. Say: “God, this is a busy list. I need Your wisdom on what I should do and what needs to go on the to-don’t list this year. You know my need for rest, and I want to have time to be part of whatever You’re doing in the lives around me this holiday season. Amen.”

 

Here’s a link to one of my most popular Happy Monday devotions on creating a to-don’t list.

 

Will you take some time this week to ask God to help you avoid some of the pitfalls you tend to fall into during the holiday season? In fact, maybe this devotion would be helpful to discuss with friends or at your next Bible study or small group. This is a way you can ask others to hold you accountable.

 

I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Where do you need to prepare your heart for the holidays? Hit reply with one of the following: “Let go,” “Rest,” or “To-Don’t List” and let me know!

 

Does your faith feel fragile, distant, or broken? You’re not alone. In this episode, Jason Hague and Catherine McNeil, authors of the,Mid-Faith Crisis, share how a scary crisis of faith can actually be the doorway to a deeper, more resilient walk with God.

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