The hectic holiday hubbub is upon us. Can you feel your stress level mount amid traffic snarls, crazy drivers, impatience, and displays of anger? This is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but often, the real reason for the season is overshadowed by too much noise, hustle, and busyness.
Following are some ways to experience peace during the holidays:
Avoid Procrastination
Delaying tasks adds to the pressure of the holidays. Thinking ahead and working ahead diminishes stress and allows you to enjoy the holiday rather than feeling you are constantly behind. Encourage forward motion by doing a little each day and taking time to enjoy the process instead of dreading it.
Simplify
In recent days, I’ve seen numerous posts on social media of elaborate Christmas decorations. They are lovely and festive, but that level of decorating takes time and effort.
If big decorating is a joy for you, go for it! If decorating feels like a chore, simplify. Even if you’ve always decorated elaborately, give yourself permission to make this a year of minimalism. Holiday celebration is more about family, faith, and observance than décor. So, simplify, and enjoy the time you gain.
Declutter Your Calendar
If your December calendar is overflowing, consider declining a few invitations and skipping some events. It’s easy to get caught up in activities and overschedule. Perhaps this year is a good one to do something different. Traditions are great, but not if they keep you spinning with little to no down time.
Prioritize Exercise
Exercise not only keeps us physically fit, but is a means of escaping the craziness. I enjoy those minutes of solitude while exercising and appreciate the boost I receive mentally and physically from raising my heart rate and pushing myself.
Carve Out Time for Meditation and Prayer
Often, we let times of prayer and quiet contemplation slide during the holidays. We reason the time must be spend on other activities. But we suffer emotionally, mentally, and spiritually when we don’t pull away from the hecticness and experience the peace that is beyond human understanding.
Do you have concerns and fears? Do you feel pressured and pushed? Tell God. Then, wait quietly for him to speak to your heart. The best path to peace during the holidays is remembrance, quietness, stillness, appreciation, and thankfulness. This season make adjustments that allow you to experience peace.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 TLB).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is a writer, blogger, speaker, and freelance editor. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotionals published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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2 Comments
Thank you for this reminder to pause and seek quiet time with God. Have a blessed week! 🙂
Blessings to you, Melissa!