Thanksgiving 2024 is in the books. We cooked, feasted and cleaned. It was a small gathering this year at our house – just our immediate family and my 91-year-old father. Holidays are getting harder for him, but so far, no trips to the Emergency Room this year, which is huge!
Christmas is coming fast. Our decorations are up, presents are being purchased, and plans are being set. I am blessed to already have an overwhelming number of events to attend this December. I look forward with child-like anticipation to all the festivities. But I know for some, the holidays are a mixed bag. These next few weeks can be joyful, stressful, nostalgic and dreadful all at the same time.
It can be a real struggle to lock into genuine peace during the holidays. Last year was an example for me. My father had health emergencies during the entire month of December that were out of our control. I was utterly distracted, understandably so. I can’t predict what this year holds, but I’m trying to start early by preparing my heart and mind for a Christ-honoring and peaceful December.
Americans are some of the busiest people across the globe. It would bode well for us to slow down around the holidays. Just as we schedule appointments and meetings, we need to schedule time for rest and recharging. Here are some ways you can hang on to your peace during December, and maybe even into the new year.
Get Quiet. Tranquility is hard to come by in this technological age. Our cell phones provide constant entertainment at our fingertips, enabling people to reach us round the clock. Getting quiet takes some effort. But it’s worth it to strive to unplug some in December. Get a cup of coffee or tea and sit somewhere quiet. Grab an Advent devotion book or your Bible. Read pages rather than a screen (talking to myself here). Collect some peace for your soul. Soak in the solitude. If you’re a praying person, spend some time thanking the Lord for this season or asking Him for help. He is available 24/7 – no cell phone needed. Grant yourself permission to momentarily leave the rat race. When I do this, I’m an easier person for everyone to be around.
Look up. I picked my father up this morning so he could eat lunch with us. His life is harder now, but much simpler. He noticed every beautiful red and gold colored tree as we drove, delighted by the flamboyant display of late fall. That serves as a wakeup call to me to look up and around. Purposely notice decorations, light displays, holiday décor this Christmas. We have an annual family outing to look at Christmas lights that I call “forced family fun” night. We get hot chocolate and drive around looking at Christmas decorations with phones OFF. Our youngest isn’t always thrilled about missing the latest text, but he’ll get over it – or he can put it on the list to talk about with a therapist later in life. For the price of some gasoline, we are all in the car together, listening to Christmas music – laughing, talking, and yes, maybe a little grumbling … but it always ends up providing good memories.
Go to a church service or concert. As a Christian, focusing on the birth of Christ in December is paramount. Our church and many churches offer various events for worship, singing, caroling, serving, fellowship, etc. Even if you’re not a Christian or particularly religious, music soothes the soul and Christmas music is incredibly joyful. Enjoying a Christmas concert or play is a great way to start your holidays off right. Serving with a charitable organization not only helps those in need, but does our minds and hearts good to know we are doing something meaningful for others.
Meditate on Scripture. I think this bears repeating whether you are a Christian or not. Last December, my father was in the hospital for 17 days, and then back the day after Christmas. Lest you think I’m an expert at applying all I just advised – I was a wreck last year. I learned the hard way, so you won’t have to! Take the time to think on Scripture, read God’s Word, memorize verses when you can, so when your loved one (or you) find yourself in the emergency room on a random Sunday, you have a well of wisdom from which to draw. Does that mean we don’t get sad or frustrated or exhausted? Certainly not. A wise person once told me that Jesus isn’t an anesthesia for pain. But the Bible does call Jesus the “Prince of Peace.” To know Him is to know a peace that this world cannot give, because God clothed in human flesh came to save the world.
Kristin Landers is a substitute teacher and freelance writer. Landers’ previous work includes serving as Communications Director for the Alabama Policy Institute and working for Citizens Against a Legalized Lottery (CALL) to defeat legalized gambling in the state of Alabama.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819News.com.
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