𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬: 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬⁣

The holidays can be a time of joy and celebration, but let’s keep it real—they can also be tough. Whether you’re grieving, struggling financially, feeling lonely, or just overwhelmed, I want you to know you’re not alone. Let’s talk about finding peace and grounding ourselves in God’s promises, even when the holiday season doesn’t feel so merry or happy.⁣

𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬⁣

If you’re missing a loved one, the holidays can feel unbearably heavy. Their absence is felt in the quiet moments and in the spaces where their laughter used to fill the room. But even in the depths of your sorrow, know this: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).⁣

God understands your pain and invites you to bring it to Him. Cry out to Him in prayer, knowing He is a safe place for your grief. Talk with someone who will listen without judgment and allow yourself to feel whatever you’re feeling—it’s okay not to be okay. While the ache may not go away, hold onto the promise that God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, can still meet you in the midst of it.⁣ Lean on His love, and take one moment at a time. You're not walking through this season alone—God is with you, every step of the way.⁣

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝⁣

The world tells us that gifts prove our love, but the Word tells us differently. “Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil” (Proverbs 15:16). Don’t let the pressure to overspend steal your peace. Set a budget, stick to it, and remember that the best gifts come from the heart, not the wallet. A thoughtful note, a simple act of kindness, or even just your time can mean so much more than expensive presents.⁣

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬⁣

For my single folks or anyone feeling isolated this season, I see you. The holidays can make loneliness feel even heavier. But don’t forget: “God makes a home for the lonely” (Psalm 68:6). You are never truly alone. Seek connection where you can—join a church event, call a friend, or spend time with someone who might also need company. And don’t be afraid to sit quietly with the Lord, letting Him fill the spaces where loneliness tries to creep in.⁣

𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐧𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬⁣

Social media will have us thinking everyone’s life looks like a Pinterest board, but don’t let that fool you. Real life is imperfect, and that’s okay. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Define the holidays on your terms. If all you have the energy for is a quiet day with a good book or some worship music, that’s enough. God sees your heart, not your decorations.⁣

𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐞⁣

1. 𝘗𝘳𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 (1 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘴 5:17): 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘥𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘺.⁣

2. 𝘚𝘦𝘵 𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴: 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘺 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥.⁣

3. 𝘎𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 (𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘴 4:6): 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦.⁣

4. 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘏𝘪𝘮 (𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘸 11:28): 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘏𝘪𝘮.⁣

Family, the holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Lean into God’s grace and allow Him to guide you through this season, no matter how it looks. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts (Colossians 3:15), and trust that brighter days are ahead.⁣

If you’re struggling, don’t carry it alone. Reach out to someone, and most importantly, lean on God—He’s faithful and always near.

Navigating the Holidays: Holding Onto Peace in Challenging Times