This is one of my favorite times of year. The foods, the decorations, the traditions, the music. It’s just beautiful, isn’t it? 

But sometimes, the holidays can be hard. Greeting cards, commercials, songs and even cheerful Facebook updates remind us of the importance of family at Christmas.

And if there’s been a shift in your family (like a sibling leaving for college, the loss of someone you love, or a major illness) then Christmas might leave you feeling sad, confused, or a little lost. 

So, how do you make it through the holidays?

First, recognize your feelings. When we try to cram our feelings deep down inside, they just come out in another way. Emotions are a gift from God and trying to suppress them is like overfilling a suitcase. You might be able to close it temporarily but eventually, everything is going to come out.

Instead, talk about how you’re feeling with someone you trust. This person might be your best friend, a teacher, or parent. It’s OK to say, “I’m having a hard time with Christmas because…”.

Second, take care of yourself. This is especially important if you’re helping to care for an injured or sick family member. Stress will eventually wear you down and cause you to get sick.

Instead of letting the stress build, take regular time out to do things that help you relax. You might try walking your dog, keeping a journal, taking a bubble bath or watching a funny movie. The point is to do things that help you unwind.

Finally, remember that God is with you. When we go through stressful times, it’s easy to feel alone and forgotten. Hebrews 13:5 assures us of this truth: God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” ♥