Festive homes trimmed with gleaming lights and candy cane pathways dot the neighborhood and carols filter through every box store’s speaker system. But the brightest of seasons bears an unfortunate burden. Nearly ninety percent of us feel anxious. Overwhelmed.

I’d like to invite you to join me for my next series, Preparing for Christmas: Finding Peace, as we ready our hearts to herald the King.

Discover how you can reclaim peace and let go of Christmas stress.

A Stress-Less Christmas is Focused on Christ

If you have followed my blog for a while, you know I have lived with fibromyalgia for several years. Chronic illness requires adjustments, though not all of them are negative. One of the beneficial lessons autoimmune illness has taught me is that a Christmas focused on Christ is about preparation. But not the sort of preparation that involves checklists, meal plans, and budgets—although those all have their place.

Instead, this preparation involves the heart. It is a mindset willing to meditate on the miraculous. The desire and discipline to pursue the Dayspring.

Instead, this preparation involves my heart. It is a mindset willing to meditate on the miraculous. The desire and discipline to pursue the Dayspring.#stresslesschristmas #christmaspeace Click To Tweet

A believer since childhood, I have treasured the gift of Christmas for years. But fibromyalgia has forced me to slow down. I am unable to live at a breakneck pace. Incapable of enduring hours of endless shopping, baking cookies, or crafting stacks of handmade Christmas cards.

Even spending a full day in the kitchen–something I adore–can result in a month-long flare.

As a result, I focus less on the wrapping in which I present Christmas to friends and family and more on the presence of the one who came as Peace.

I focus less on the wrapping in which I present Christmas to friends and family and more on the presence of the one who came as Peace. #stresslesschristmas #christmaspeace Click To Tweet

How Less is More

Overburdened finances, packed schedules, and pursuing the “perfect holiday” top the season’s list as several areas that create Christmas stress. Perhaps we have fallen victim to deceivingly simple Pinterest boards or the latest Hallmark movie featuring accomplished, coiffed women in stilettos who can whip a mess of a home into a winter wonderland before the first commercial.

Pinterest boards, Hallmark movies, and lipstick can be great–as long as we remember one important factor. They all shade reality.

• Less the debt of overspending? Abundance. Not in stuff nor in unwanted or unneeded items but in freedom from the constant worry that bills are coming due.
• Without the weight of mandatory fun? Rejoicing. Not forced smiles or meaningless small talk but heartfelt memories made with those closest to our hearts.
• Minus the lie of perfection? Time. Hours made available to celebrate Christ as we release self-flagellation and accept His grace.

Simple Ways to Let Go of Christmas Stress

Simple sounds good, right? Though I still wish I could cook for a full day without growing weary, there is beauty and blessing in letting go of the perfectly appointed decor and attending cookie exchanges.

But how do we do it?

1. Create a list of the traditions you most value. List other traditions, requirements, and activities that you and your family find less important. Which can you eliminate?
2. Work within your budget. Avoid using credit cards and only purchase items your family can afford. If you have a large extended family, consider setting up a gift exchange in which you draw a given family’s name. Limit spending to an amount you can all afford. In January, start setting money aside each month as you plan for next Christmas.
3. Pray. Ask God for discernment. Do you cling to certain ideals? Long for the perfect holiday? Are there strongholds you need to give to Him as you prepare for the King of Glory?

A Prayer to Release Stress this Holiday Season

Father,

Thank you for the gift of Jesus. I long to celebrate and glorify the marvelous beauty of the babe wrapped in flesh and surrender my schedule, expectations, and concerns this Christmas. Reveal any areas that create stress or worry and show me how to release them to you. Teach me to prepare my heart as I consider the Prince of Peace who came long ago and who will come again.

In the powerful name of Jesus,

Amen

I sometimes link up with the following wonderful bloggers:

Mondays   Mandy and Michele/ Inspire Me Monday/Anita Ojeda Tuesdays InstaEncouragements Wednesdays  Recharge Wednesday / Tell His Story//Let’s Have Coffee Thursdays /Salt and Light/Simply Coffee and Jesus Friday FriendshipFriday/Blogger Voices Network /

Lauren Sparks

Tammy Kennington

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• Dr. Michelle Bengston, one of my favorite authors, knows a lot about anxiety and stress.  If anxiety is one of your regular companions, I recommend her book, Breaking Anxiety’s Grip. If you’re looking for original stocking stuffers. the post she shared in last week’s linkup–50 Best Stocking Stuffers for Teens, Adults, and In-Laws–will also reduce your stress.
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