How to Fight Christmas Stress
Christmas is celebrated as the season of happiness and joy. However, for many, it’s also the most stressful time of the year. When stress builds, you’re one step away from lashing out at innocent people around you. But Christmas joy doesn’t have to be ruined with tension-induced anger. There are some simple steps that can help us dial down and find grace for each day.
When stress builds:
• Ask God for help. When stressed, we sometimes forget to cry out to God. His strength is made known in our weakness. He can calm our hearts and help us cope.
• Be grateful. What has God done for you? Be specific. As you count your blessings your focus moves from the negative–how bad things are, or how much you have to do–to the positive things in your life. Remembering what God has done builds faith for what He can do in the present situation.
• Identify stress issues. What is causing the stress? One thing, or too many things to do? Are the things on your list all necessary? Many Christmas activities come from trying to keep up with our peers or serve tradition. Some could be eliminated without harm. Do away with what you can. Cry out to the Lord for help with the rest.
• Spend within your means. If financially stressed, don’t go in debt for gifts—that adds more stress which will stay with you. Instead, seek God for creative ways to give of yourself. Make it a Christmas of building relationships with those you love.
Books and magazines offer more practical suggestions, but many times, our real need is to refocus and line our priorities up with what God is asking of us rather than what cultural or personal expectations demand. Just knowing we are pleasing the Lord brings satisfaction and renewed energy, and having His strength and grace for the task can carry us through the most stressful days.
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