Symptoms include: the post Christmas debt, hostility towards family members that may have "accidentally" ruined your holiday turkey stuffing (but probably did it on purpose because they don't like it anyway), crying (or rather intense sobbing.. you know, because even though your second cousin may have broken your favorite vase, you kind of miss him), and smelling the reminiscent scent of a Pumpkin Spice Latte (or the Salted Caramel Mocha, if you're like me).
Honestly, I hope this list made you laugh. Even a chuckle. Because we know that it's kind of true! I really do miss the Salted Caramel Mocha for the rest of the year.. Haha. But truly, we do go through some kind of Post Traumatic Holiday Stress Disorder once the holidays pass. I want to give you a few tips to avoiding that while IN the holiday season.
1. Don't overspend/buy others' affection.
Family is family. No matter how many My Little Pony dolls you buy for your niece, she will never forget the one that you accidentally threw away. And taking that into account, I'm sure she won't ever stop loving you either. Remember that you can't buy people's love. And you definitely don't need to prove anything to your family.
2. Keep your Sabbath.
It's crazy how once we hit the holidays, our "days off" can go right out the window. "I can't stay home and rest today, I have to go and buy gifts, get family portraits done, clean the house before our families come..." The list can and will go on. We need to stop saying "My health and mental state can wait until after the holidays", and start staying "My relationship with God comes before a social holiday... I need my rest and to stay sober minded." Keep your Sabbath.
3. Remember that God is ultimately in control.
So the toy you wanted to buy for your youngest sister is out of stock (in 49 states and Puerto Rico). Okay... what now? Now, you can relax. Take a few deep breaths. And press on. There will be other toys and other Christmases. Also, is that going to change her whole life? Probably not. Don't sweat the small stuff. Let's not forget the family that comes to visit us during the holidays. Sometimes family can be a little... chaotic, to say in the least. Remember that no matter what happens, God is in control.
4. Take advantage of Quality Time.
No matter who you're spending the holidays with, realize that there is quality time to be spent! Take advantage of that! Don't sit around on your phones having meaningless conversation-- get to know each other better, ask silly questions, dance together to old songs, play with the young children in your family, ask your mom about her job, tell your family about Jesus (or evangelize with them). Think of your own things to do and do them. Family is important. Spend good quality time with them.
5. Spend Quality Time with God.
This is a great time to spend with God. Read about Christ's birth and his life through the years. Read about his ministry and the love he showed. That will empower you to go out and share that love with others. Listen to podcasts on Advent, read new books or devotionals to grow deeper. Take advantage of the quality time you can get with God each and every day. It will keep you sober-minded, give you peace, and impact the way you will respond to situations when they come up throughout the holiday season. You can never go wrong spending time with God.
Altogether, I believe these 5 tips can really help you to avoid PT(H)SD. Remember that it's not about the gifts you give, but the time you spend with loved ones. It's easy to give money away; but to give your time is so much more meaningful. Understand God has a plan when things don't go your way throughout the holidays. Spend time in His word and ask for His peace and Joy throughout this season. Don't let the stress get to you: make time to relax and rest up. Pray for God to use you this holiday season instead of for all of your plans to go perfectly. Be flexible and ready to watch God work! :)
Enjoy some Christmas music!
Needtobreathe - Go Tell It On The Mountain
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