GOOD CHEER FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON!

 

Good Cheer for the CHRISTMAS Season 

As the holidays approach, I’m beginning to feel as if I’m preparing for a marathon. Now, don’t get me wrong, I could use some training in this department. I’ve been a bit negligent with my physical routine lately. But the marathon I’m referring to is the onset of the holiday season, which brings with it decorating, menu planning, special events, and Christmas shopping, to name a few.

Don’t misunderstand me because I love the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate and be grateful for the many blessings in my life. Christmas allows me the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Christ. It’s a joyous time of year filled with special memories, family, and friends, but it’s also a busy time, so I need to make time for myself to be of good cheer.

Holiday Expectations

How do I do this? I take a moment to reflect on my current needs and expectations. Addressing my current needs can be somewhat of a challenge. I’m one to put myself last to take care of others (I’m a giver). It’s central to my well-being that I spend time in prayer, seeking to find the right balance for my life. This is really important because what may work in the summer months may not work in the fall season or during holidays, since priorities, schedules, and routines change. I’ll add that the current time change seems to be working against me this year! I could really use an extra hour of daylight.

Also, I tend to set high expectations for myself and others. If you’ve ever taken the How to Fascinate assessment, my primary advantage is Prestige, the language of excellence. Translation – my goals and performance are always higher. And, as you may already know, our strengths can quickly become our weaknesses if we are not careful. Knowing this, it’s important that I set realistic expectations for the holidays. I can do this by reminding myself that the photos of the delicious recipes are filtered, and the photos of the gorgeous Christmas trees are designed by professional teams (more than one) with a much larger budget!

Prayer and Good Cheer

My self-care involves taking time to assess my current needs and evaluate my expectations so that I can set realistic goals for the holidays. I also need to be attentive to my wellness – mind, body, and soul. For example, I may need to step back from some of my commitments for the holidays, or I may need to say no to a few invites, which isn’t easy because I’m always concerned about someone’s feelings. But I need to be honest with myself and my friends, and it’s unrealistic to expect I can be everywhere or everything to everyone, so I must take care of myself. And, I encourage you to do the same!

When your schedule or life begins to spin out of control this holiday season due to overscheduling or overcommitments, take time to reflect on your current needs and expectations. Take time out to refresh, spend time in prayer, and reach out to your sisters-in-Christ with your prayer request. Take care of yourself – mind, body, and soul.

I’ll be praying for you and cheering you on this holiday season! 

If you have a specific prayer request, please do not hesitate to reach out. As shared in 3 John 1:2, we are called to pray for one another’s spiritual and physical well-being, so let’s be in continuous prayer this holiday season.

“We’re the best of friends, and I pray for good fortune in everything you do, and for your good health—that your everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul!” 3 John 1:2 (MSG)

Image Credit ReyniRzIllustrations