Christmas is a beautiful time of year. The colorful decorations, twinkling lights, nice gifts and gag gifts, food galore, friends and family, all enjoying time together in fun, laughter and love.

Maybe it’s not like that for you. Maybe you lost a loved one this year and Christmas is difficult without them. Or maybe low finances prevent you from buying gifts to give to your children and loved ones. Having someone close to you in the hospital, nursing home or care center during the holiday’s changes everything. I understand the feeling of “Bah Humbug” and not feeling all merry and festive.

For those times when we feel unmerry, there are things we can do to feel the merry again. It’s not easy but I have found when I push myself, blessing comes. Sometimes in small ways but still a blessing.

1. Reaching out to others is a way to give of yourself. I always feel better, no matter what time of year, when I do something for another. Is there someone who is alone that you could invite to church or to dinner? Or make a small gift to give to residents of a nursing home or families at the hospital.

2.  Another idea, if you can, is to give to an organization you have a passion for. One that you believe in their mission. I love Operation Christmas Child. You can pack a shoebox that will be sent to a child in poverty areas. Throughout the year I bought items on sale, sometimes at 90% off, and packed shoeboxes for less than $10 each. Or you can pack a shoebox on OCC’s website.

3. Instead of stressing yourself out over finding the “perfect” gifts for others, think about giving to an organization in honor of someone. Or give to an individual who cannot give back. Some ideas are a Church ministry, a food pantry, Angel tree, a Veteran organization, a neighbor. The options are numerous. The idea is give from your heart, not from obligation.

Give from your heart, not from obligation

4. When the holiday’s are not merry, we can become depressed or have our own little pitty party. It’s ok to be sad during these times but try not let it turn into depression. Do something for yourself that brings joy to your heart. Your self will be grateful.

5. And last, but not least, read the Bible Christmas story and reflect on all that Jesus has given us. The greatest gift is Jesus. He loves you. He loves me. When we truly grasp the heart of God, much of our sadness and selfishness goes away. He understands our pain. He longs for us to trust Him. He is our only Hope.

Christmas doesn’t have to be stressful, sad or lonely. Reaching out to others is hard. If you will have a house full of family and friends, maybe there is someone you can invite to join you, someone that does not have family near them. You may be offering Hope.

What tip would you like to add to these? It may help someone reading.

I would love to pray for you if you have a hard time at the Holiday’s. Please drop me a note from the contact page at the top. Thank you and God Bless.

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