THE DULL AND DRAG OF HOLIDAY SEASONS

Happy Holidays!

It is that time of the year when many unite over their love for Christmas. There are tree lighting ceremonies, Christmas Carol performances, and decorations all around. Not forgetting there are parties to attend. The reality is that it can sometimes bring a lot of exhaustion, anxiety, and even burnout. There’s so much going on and our routines are shoved aside because the holiday syndrome is in full effect.

We live in a world full of distractions and it is heightened in this season. Our spiritual well-being isn’t exempted either and in many ways, many have clung to pacifiers. A pacifier; a mother’s break enabler. A break, from the cries of their young one whenever they are fussing. Pacifiers serve as temporary distractions and as they are sucking, they are trapped in an illusion because it’s not real food. There is no specific season we are drawn to this but it often occurs when our lives are full of busyness or many transitions are taking place or in peak holiday seasons with so many things clamoring for our attention.

“How do I find a balance?” is a question I have been asking myself.

“How do I embrace the relaxation as well as maintain the profitable rhythms that have been key in shaping my life?“

I don’t want to be satisfied with just the pacifier even in this season that calls me to push everything aside. I still want to heavily feast at the table my Heavenly Father has set for me. There is no season that we should be okay with just the quick fixes of the word. Even in these relaxing times as we plan to feed our physical bodies and minds as we schedule vacations, may we equally remember to feed our souls.

Here are a few things that have helped me;

1. Find a reading plan for the season

Whether we are obsessed and greatly excited by Christmas or not, it is bound to seep in and affect us. I am not big on Christmas and I think the only way I get into the Christmas Spirit is by studying about it (not that the 25th date is theologically correct.) I paused my reading plan weeks ago and decided to remind myself of some of the few things about the birth of Jesus and I am reading along with some members online. This has not only helped me consistently show up for QT but it has allowed me to walk with ease even during this holiday season. There are plans available that are so easy to read; a verse a day or a few verses.

2. Adjust your timings; be flexible

Morning exhaustion following late-night events will definitely affect your time (if you are an early riser). In the same breath, being out late also means your evening time is jam-packed (if you are an evening person). We must learn to adjust to the seasons.

I have always been a morning person and my quiet time has been in the wee hours; at the break of dawn. However, these past few weeks I have had so many late nights from attending parties that haven’t allowed me to rise as early as I am used to; and it is okay. Either way, I still make it a priority to show up to delight. The timing may change but I still prioritize showing up.

3. Find Creative ways of showing up

Our Bibles shouldn’t get dusty just because there are many time-consuming activities. We shouldn’t have to shelve them until January. Perhaps you need to prioritize community fellowships this season. Perhaps you need to have a QT date with your friends or you need to go out and have time with Jesus outside of your normal. There are many ways to spruce up time with God so we do not drift away

4. Look outward

We focus on the merriness of the season and yet these can be tough times for those who lost loved ones or those who are traumatized by events associated with the holiday. Even more than our own nourishment, holidays offer us an opportunity to love others, lend a hand, and remind them they are valued. So step out and be a carrier of kindness

I pray that you will continue to be preserved in this season and that as you enjoy, you will get past the dullness and drag that may creep in. I pray that you will give and receive love, joy, peace, and kindness in abundance. I pray that Jesus will be at the center of all the festivities and that you will continue to grow in appreciation for the gift of the Messiah.

Merry Christmas!