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Oh, holiday stress… a perfect oxymoron for one of the merriest, most anxious times of the year. If it wasn’t so true, it would almost be laughable. Holiday stress has unfortunately become our society’s annual sentiment during these nippy months. But don’t fret (at least not yet), because here we have 4 ways that you can de-stress your holidays!

1. Keep the mornings merry

[35] Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. [36] Simon and his companions went to look for him, [37] and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

Mark 1:35-37 (NIV)

Even Jesus knew that you have to protect your mornings. During holiday time, you might have kids or relatives trying to track you down because your schedule is in flux, but you need to stay focused on holding onto solitary time in the morning. This is where you can read the Bible, reflect through prayer, and refocus yourself for each day. If you can start your day with spirituality, you have something to work with during the day!

2. Schedule like Santa

OK, this might be a stretch, but Santa never seemed stressed! He worked hard and he played hard. Set up your schedule to do the same. In the scripture below, you’ll notice that these people were trying too hard to control everything. They made big plans and didn’t leave room for God. Avoid this trap by setting up times with friends and family over the holidays, but don’t pack your schedule so full that you leave God out. You’ll be less overwhelmed, and enjoy the season more.

Some of you say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to some city. We will stay there a year, do business, and make money.” 14 But you do not know what will happen tomorrow! Your life is like a mist. You can see it for a short time, but then it goes away. 15 So you should say, “If the Lord wants, we will live and do this or that.” 16 But now you are proud and you brag. All of this bragging is wrong.

James 4:13-16

3. Pray away the worry

If you feel stressed, don’t try to fake it that everything’s fine. Acknowledge your concerns in prayer and decide to put your trust in God.

Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. 7 And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NCV)

4. Remember What Matters

It is better to eat a dry crust of bread in peace
than to have a feast where there is quarreling.

Proverbs 17:1 (NCV)

Ask yourself: what’s really important during these holidays? Is it really worth it to spend your time worrying about which gift to buy, which gift you received, your finances, or your vacation? Sometimes we need to sit back and remember what matters most. It’s the relationships that give our lives meaning, so we should remind ourselves of to let the stress go and embrace what’s important.

Written by

Bay Area Christian Church

This was created by a member of the Bay Area Christian Church team.