The Holidays are coming! It's such a special time of the year - celebrations and good times with friends, coworkers, and of course, family. However, it is often a time of year filled with tremendous stress for so many people, especially women. Let's try putting these biblical principles to work this year and perhaps things will flow more smoothly. I know that I plan on giving it a try! 

 1) 1 Chronicles 16:11

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

Make Time for The Lord During The Holidays

Ironically, during the holiday season, when extra time is nowhere to be found, we probably need to be in the word of God more than ever. It can seem almost impossible to get some alone and quiet time to turn our thoughts to our Father in heaven.

Get creative about reading the Bible if you’re struggling to do so. Listen to the audio version of the Bible on your phone or in the car. Try reading for five minutes before you get out of bed in the morning. It's a phenomenal way to start your day! You might even consider starting a special Thanksgiving reading plan or Advent devotional to help you focus on God during this time of year.

 2)  Galatians 5:16-18 

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law

Avoid Overeating & Drinking Too Much Alcohol

Since the Christmas season lasts for a short time, from Thanksgiving to New Year, many of us see it as permission to overindulge in food and alcohol during this time. Honestly, it’s often really not worth the huge regrets that come after January 1st, when we realize not one pair of our pants will zip up. Christmas is a time to have good times with our friends and our family, but do we have to celebrate around excessive food & alcohol consumption? When did a meal with the family or a party with friends become an all-you-can-eat-and-drink fest?

Some helpful tips...

1) Try to stay hydrated, a thirsty person can quickly become a hungry person even when we really are not. Our bodies often mistake thirst for hunger.

2) Make healthier food choices, fill up on the veggies and fiber rich treats so you feel satisfied more quickly.

3) Keep moving, try to stick to your regular exercise routine if you have one. If you don't, maybe a good New Year's Resolution?

4) Get REST - don't allow yourself to become exhausted, that is a sure way to become derailed.

5) Eat slowly and enjoy every bite, your food will give you much more pleasure if you take your time.

6) Use common sense and self-control - You will thank yourself for it later! 

3) John 13:34

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

Be Kind to Others

During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of crazy schedules, overspending to fulfill wish lists, and feeling overwhelmed by trying to keep up with it all.

It’s VERY important to step back and remember the true meaning of the season. Sure, the holidays are a time where we can enjoy traditions, create new memories, attend parties and gatherings, and spend more time with our loved ones...But what about going above and beyond giving gifts by also giving time, kind words, being helpful to someone in need perhaps. Spreading kindness or holiday cheer during this time of year can be as simple as visiting some lonely seniors in a nursing home, doing some volunteering, distributing holiday meals to those in need, treating a friend or coworker to lunch or dinner, the list is endless.

4) Colossians 3:13

bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Forgive People

During the holidays there are many opportunities for us to see people that we have an unsettled or painful history with. People we haven’t forgiven as well as people who haven’t forgiven us. Many times, forgiving those who have hurt us is not easy. We would rather suppress the feelings year after year, than take the difficult step to mend the relationship.

When there is a very deep hurt or betrayal it’s much more difficult. We have to rely on the Spirit of God to help us forgive and move on. Most of the time, we have really no idea what people are going through. It’s very hard to see things from someone else’s perspective and to understand what motivates them to do the things they do. God will help us to see them the way He sees them, if we ask and pray about it. We really need to make a conscious choice to forgive them and ask God to bless them. At the risk of sounding cliché ( I’m going to say it anyways because I really like this quote) “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison yourself and waiting for the other person to die.” So true.

Lastly, A really nice idea is to buy them a small gift that will express you have brought closure to the issue and you no longer harboring unforgiveness against them. You don’t need to share that with anyone if you don’t want to but it will feel good in your heart. 

5) Matthew 25:35-40 

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?" And the King will answer them, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."

It is all too easy to OVERSPEND at the holidays! We've all been there and done that. It's important to remember that gifts do not need to be super expensive to be treasured and enjoyed, it's not all about the money. Here are some tips that may help.