Explore and Transform Three Habits That Will Steal Your Holiday Joy
The people’s favorite season is here again! CHRISTMAS !!! Is it not surreal that we are already celebrating another Christmas again when it seems like 1st January was just the other day? Time flies indeed.
However, as we get into the activities of the season, it is important that we hold the true meaning behind the season dear to our hearts and make sure to spread warmth, love, kindness, and joy everywhere we go.
It is no news that Christmas brings a truckload of activities with it; shopping, traveling, visits, decorations, parties, and cooking. While all these activities form a huge part of why I love Christmas, it can be overwhelming trying to keep up with all of them at once. Trust me, except you are Wonder Woman, the social and familial pressure of Christmas can be a lot to handle. Hence, most times, people, especially mothers, get too caught up in all the demands of the season. When this happens, they forget the real reason for the season – salvation to mankind. Consequently, forfeiting the genuine joy and love the holiday spirit brings.
If you can relate to this feeling, you will agree that even when you become aware of the situation, it is quite difficult to stop the cycle from repeating itself. Often, it is that way because habits are difficult to break.
Nevertheless, the difficult nature of bad habit does not make them impossible to break. It just takes awareness on one’s part. Also, making intentional efforts to switch them up for the HABITS OF GRACE works.
Hence, today’s post exposes these Joy-stealing holiday habits and what it takes to correct them:
- Overpacking your schedule: It is true that everyone likes to make the most out of the Christmas season. But it is also true that overpacking your schedule does not necessarily mean that you will have an enjoyable or memorable holiday. Instead, this habit pattern brings about stress and anxiety when not able to follow through with everything. And the next thing that will follow is over-exhaustion and anger. Thus, it is important to take things easy and schedule time to rest in God’s word. This way, you are constantly reminded of what the season is truly about and able to bask in the glory of the season.
- Endlessly shopping online: Christmas is synonymous with giving. I mean, we get to celebrate Christmas because God gave His son to mankind. And thankfully, online shopping has come to reduce the stress of going to and fro in search of the perfect gift for everyone. Nonetheless, we should do all our online shopping with discipline and caution. If it is not needed, do not buy it. Bear in mind that it is easy to lose track of money when it comes to buying online. And from personal experience, I am certain that nothing depletes your holiday joy like spending more than your budget. So, in all your shopping, take some minutes to pause and thank God for all the gifts you are able to purchase for your loved ones. By doing this, you keep Christ in the center and leave no room for holiday Joy-stealers.
- Stressing over every little detail: Generally, nothing diminishes your joy like stressing over every detail. It is okay for you to want your Christmas to be special and memorable. But it should not be at the expense of losing your joy. If you can help straighten out a particular situation, do it. If you cannot, it is still good. Christmas is always special as long as you know the reason for the season. Therefore, endeavor to keep the joy and love of the season by switching to worship songs when plans change or favorite traditions become too much.
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