10 Tips to Cope with Holiday Stress: Christian Perspective

10 TIPS TO COPE WITH HOLIDAY STRESS: CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE

As the Holiday Season starts that brings laughter, joy, and celebration of Christ's birth. Yet to other Christians, Christmas can also be a time filled with stress, exhaustion, and pressure. Between the meal planning, gift shopping, group gathering, and expectation of perfection this could be overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be that way as a follower of Christ we are meant to cast our anxiety on God and find peace in him despite busyness and difficult seasons. So these are ways to cope with holiday stress from a Christian perspective focusing on biblical principles of God’s love and making this season more joyful. 

Here are 10 tips to cope with Holiday stress:

1. TO KNOW WHAT IS THE REAL MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

As we enter the Christmas season have we ever thought about what is the real meaning of Christmas? Is it just really gift-giving or just a social gathering? We all should know that the meaning of Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ. The scripture said in Luke 2:10-11 “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” When the holiday pressure starts to gather, take time to reflect on the gospels message, and understand what the scripture said. Center your heart on Jesus' birth, and remember that this season is ultimately about God’s love and salvation for all people.

2. LEARN TO PRACTICE GRATITUDE AND GIVE THANKS

Stress can be frustrating because of focusing on the things that we don't have or we can't control. During the holiday season, we often feel stress because of the long to-do list or the perfect expectation. Yet the Bible says that we give thanks whatever circumstances we experience in life whether it is in happy or bad times. In Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. Take time to sit and reflect on the blessings that came into your life, whether it is health or about family always remember to be thankful at all times despite what you are dealing with right now. 

3. SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS 

One of the main causes of our holiday stress is the pressure to put everything in its place. From perfect house decoration to perfect family dinners and the perfect gifts to give, the expectations we expect can be quite overwhelming. In Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Instead of focusing on various activities, gift shopping, dinner planning, and more, focus on understanding the real meaning of this Holiday Season and spending time with our loved ones. 

4. HAVING A HEALTHY BOUNDARIES 

Holidays are often filled with family gatherings or social events, it's important to set boundaries in those relationships that make you feel stressed and pressured. Jesus Himself set boundaries when He needed rest or peace in Mark 6:31 “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Setting boundaries could help you preserve your peace and your emotions, allowing you to celebrate this Christmas with a full heart filled with love and peace. 

5. MORE TIME, LESS MATERIALISM 

Gift giving is one of the Holiday traditions, it is one of the major causes of stress and pressure to purchase expensive and perfect presents. As Christians, we can focus more on giving time and less on materialistic things to the people we love. In Acts 20:35 “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Consider spending more time with your loved ones by helping those in need. This kind of gift aligns with the heart of Christ and brings greater joy than any material possession. 

6. PRACTICE PRAYER AND MEDITATION 

When the holiday stress starts to mount up always remember you are not alone God is always with you ready to provide and protect you in any difficult situations. As the Bible says in Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” God always reminds us every day that we are not alone. Set aside some time for him each and every day and invite God into your holiday plans. Let God guide you in your steps and peace of mind in moments of stress. 

7. SERVE PEOPLE WITH GENEROSITY AND LOVE 

Serving is a great way to shift your focus away from your own stress to others who is in need of those around you. During the holiday season, many people experience loneliness but with your kindness, it can make a world of difference. In Galatians 5:13 “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Volunteer in any charity, visit someone who is sick, volunteer in feeding programs, or offer a helping hand to your neighbors. Serving others always reminded us that the true essence holiday season is love and kindness, just as Jesus served and loved each one of us throughout His life. 

8. DON'T FORGET TO REST

Jesus reminded us that rest is important in His life. In Mark 2:27 it states, “Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Despite the busyness of the holiday season don't neglect the need for rest. Overdoing yourself to your work can cause physical and emotional exhaustion. Always remember to set aside time for a week for a Sabbath rest where you can reflect and talk to God. Whether it's quiet at home or walking in nature. 

9. STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR LOVED ONES 

During this holiday season, we are so occupied with our own pressure and stress we forget to connect with the people whom we love. In Psalms 133:1 “ How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!. Spending time with those we love helps us refocus on what really matters and that brings comfort in our stressful times. 

10. REMEMBER TO TRUST GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY 

Always remember that God is always in control. The holiday seasons might not go as planned and the challenges we’ve been through but with God’s sovereignty never change. In Psalms 46:10 “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Trust in Him as He is within us overcoming the daily stressors we face. He will always be here guiding us through any difficult moments we experience. 

FINAL THOUGHTS: CALM YOUR MIND AND TRUST IN HIM 

Holiday seasons can be a time of joy and celebration but it also carries stress and overwhelm. God offers us His love, peace, and grace by trusting Him we can settle our busyness of the holidays with a calm and joyful heart. Remember that Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus, who came down to bring peace to the world. As we reflect His message we are reminded that we don’t have to carry our burden alone. With God’s help, we can surpass any difficulties in life we face as we celebrate this holiday season filled with love, joy, and peace by keeping him at the center of our lives.

May these 10 tips help you cope with your holiday stress and allow you to celebrate and experience the true joy of this season!