When Christmas looks different, these three truths will encourage you!
During some seasons, Christmas looks different.
I can think back to seasons like this- during the pandemic, after my parent’s divorce, and during a hard season in our marriage. During these times, Christmas did not feel like the most wonderful time of the year.
In these seasons, my focus was on finishing up shopping and creating intentional moments, but in the middle of all the busy parts, I still found myself stopping. When I stopped, I was confronted with the fact that Christmas looked different and a mixture of emotions filled me.
Reflecting on this fact, I know I am not the only one who has gone through these times. While we all have different stories and struggles, there is that common thread.
Processing through this, I realized something:
We can wish for what was or we can find the good in this season.
Christmas was never intended to be a perfect day. Jesus was born amid a messy stable, in imperfect circumstances. Christmas is a day when we celebrate our perfect Savior who came for our brokenness.
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, let’s remember these three truths.
Focus on the reason for the holiday.
When we take our eyes off all of the stress, we can truly savor the reason for the season- Jesus. He came to embrace us amid the mess. Whenever you feel yourself starting to feel overwhelmed with all the stress, take a deep breath, and focus back on Him.
Allow yourself to grieve the loss.
Stuffing emotions away or pretending like everything is perfect is not going to solve anything. It is like putting a bandaid on a gushing wound that needs surgery. Eventually, things will be worse, not better.
You can grieve the loss without being consumed. When you feel sad, let yourself feel these feelings. It is important to acknowledge grief.
Look for the good.
Even in this messy season, there is so much good. Sometimes, the most beautiful moments spring out of the darkest of places. Keep your eyes open to the look for the good every day.
Write it down if you have to. Count the good and claim it, and when it seems hard, remember the One who is always good and reflect on Him.
These three things are not going to remove the pain, but I know that they will center us on what is true and good.
Different does not have to be bad it can be rather lovely.
An insight in this angle is great!!
Thank you!
You give a good advice to fight or embrace the change, I choose to embrace chance because I find that change is part of every aspect of our life. happy holidays.
Yay for choosing to embrace! So wise Denise!
I’m sure this Christmas looks different to a lot of people, and it can be really tough to deal with. I do think it’s important to focus on the small things sometimes. Thanks for sharing.
-Lauren
Thanks Lauren, there is definitely so much that is good in the little things.
These are great tips! It is so important to give ourselves permission to grieve during a joyous season.
Yes, I agree (side note, yay our names are spelled the same! That is rare!)
I love this so much, Keri! The events around Christmas so often magnify those differences and it can be easy to let it consume us. I love your reminder that Jesus came for our messes! So many Christmas carols speak peace to my heart when I’m overwhelmed, reminding me that Jesus came to bring life, hope and peace. Praying for you as you walk through a different Christmas this year! <3
Thank you sweet friend! You are such an encouragement to me!
Love your post. I write about embracing the unexpected and this fits right in. I will be sharing on social media. Thank you! You are right the three things you mentioned won’t take away the different but they sure will help find Jesus.
I love that Maree, it sounds like such a great focus! Definitely something I am learning.
I appreciate the advice you give about grieving our loss. The holidays are definitely a great time to spend with family and friends, losing one of those can be rough.
Thank you Catie, I hope you have a very wonderful Christmas
My husband and I are too embracing the change and not letting things get to us. It is not always easy but you are right we have to make the best of it.
It definitely takes some practice and mentally preparing myself ahead of time.
Thanks for this. Every single year Christmas looks different for us and embracing it has made all the difference .We are enjoying making new traditions and enjoying all the moments we have.
Such a great attitude Meg- very refreshing!
Such great and sound advice! Wishing you the merriest Christmas this year!
Thank you have a beautiful Christmas as well!
This is so true!! I remember how hard the first Christmas was after my grandmother passed away. But we did find the beauty in the season.
I am sure that was so hard!
Thank you so much for the encouragement. This is my 9th Christmas being married and I still have a hard time accepting that Christmas is different in how my husband and I celebrate vs how I used to celebrate with my family growing up ( would think in nine years that I would learn to except the change …) I think one of the main reasons why I’ve never let go of it is because I’ve never grieved it – so thank you so much for the encouragement to grieve, focus on the reason for the season and to find joy in it!
Of course, I hope it was a good Christmas. Learning to adjust to a new normal can be challenging.
“He came for our messes and He came to embrace us in the midst of the mess.” Yes! Beautiful and so true. May we let Jesus reach into our hurting places with His healing touch.
Amen!
I️ love this – such a great reminder! It is definitely a different year, but I️’ve truly enjoyed us all being home together during this holiday season <3
I can always rely on you for an amazing positive pep talk! You always have a way of making me feel better about things after reading your posts. I’m so grateful for you and our “virtual” friendship this holiday season.
Beautiful words, Keri! The older I get, the more I realize how joy is a choice, not a feeling. We can choose to be joyful even amidst very hard circumstances, even though some days that is very, very hard. Life is truly what you make it!
So true Lindsay- thank you!