4 Ways To Combat Overwhelm This Holiday Season

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I turned onto my street to find a pleasant surprise at the end of our cul-de-sac. "Mommy, look at the pretty lights!" my toddler squealed with excitement. The calendar had just officially flipped, daylight savings time was ending, and my social media friends were sharing their “Hello November” posts. Yet, my neighbor's brightly lit home, adorned with Christmas lights, was a reminder that the holiday season was upon us.  It wasn’t just the lights on their home; it was the countless advertisements I started receiving for shopping “deals”, invites for holiday gatherings, and the realization that I’d soon have to have “the talk” with my husband about whether we would be traveling or staying home this year. 

Now, don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love this time of year. The joy in the air. The festivities. The smile on my little one’s face as we start decorating our home and baking “her” version of gingerbread cookies, and, if you live in the right place, the dusting of snow that could arrive, giving you the chance for a white Christmas. However, along with the excitement the holiday brings, there also comes for some, a sense of overwhelm: the stress of feeling like you have to say yes to every invitation, the worry about not having enough, the agony of wondering if the family gathering will turn out the way you expected. 

One study found that nearly nine out of ten adults reported experiencing something that caused them stress during the holiday season. An ironic contrast, for a time, typically referred to as   “Happy Holidays.”

But the good news is this: it does not have to be that way for you. With a bit of intention, you can protect your peace and show up differently this year.  Here are four practical ways to help you combat overwhelm this holiday season. 

1. Set Boundaries.

 One of the many reasons people feel overwhelmed during the holiday season is their struggle to set healthy and appropriate boundaries. Boundaries help you set limits on what you’re comfortable with -or not- in a particular situation or with a specific person. Healthy boundaries are not walls; rather, they’re protection for your emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. If you find yourself overwhelmed during the holiday season, ask yourself- why? And start early by setting boundaries for yourself. For example, you don't have to accept every invitation you receive. It’s ok to say no without over-explaining, for fear of conflict or people-pleasing. Setting boundaries may also mean setting physical limitations on who you invite to your home during the holiday season. If you feel overwhelmed or triggered by hosting the yearly family dinner, this might be the year to consider changing who hosts and starting a new tradition. Perhaps you need to set boundaries with your time. Accepting the invitation might mean you can only stay for a certain period, allowing you time for other commitments or obligations. What’s one boundary you can create for yourself this season? Seek wise counsel from a faith-based counselor or friend who can help you explore what this might look like. Pray and ask God to guide you in setting the appropriate boundaries. Scripture reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5

2. Plan. 

Admittedly, a lot of my overwhelm during previous holiday seasons was brought on by my lack of planning. Last-minute dashes to the store only to find that the one ingredient I needed was out of stock. Standing in long lines at the post office because I told myself I’d pick up the stamps tomorrow, which came and went. The feelings of overwhelm mounted. There’s a quote my colleague used to say, “Proper planning prevents poor performance."  It’s the idea that when you plan well, you set yourself up to perform well. A lack of planning often leads to mistakes, unnecessary stress, and overwhelm. One way to prevent this is to be proactive. If you tend to wait until the last minute, try making lists early to ensure you're prepared this holiday season. Begin by writing down all the tasks you anticipate, big or small. This could include meal planning, gift shopping, house cleaning, and scheduling holiday activities. Set realistic deadlines for each task, delegate or remove tasks that you won’t be able to complete, and tackle the remaining items one by one to avoid last-minute surprises and stress. 

3. Practice Contentment & Gratitude

In a recent survey by Ipsos Research, 65% of respondents who reported being stressed about the upcoming holiday season cited concerns about paying for gifts. 

But the holidays are so much more than finding the right gifts, perfectly decorated homes, and Pinterest-perfect curated meals. It’s a chance to slow down and focus on what matters. To spend quality, meaningful time with those you love and care about. To be still in the presence of God. To appreciate all He has done and cultivate a heart of gratitude. As the Psalmist declared, “...give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1 

Additionally, you can combat overwhelm by being content with what you have. Instead of comparison, searching for more and feeling like what you have is not enough, you can, like the Apostle Paul. 

“... learn how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state [you are]” Philippians 4:11 AMP. In the New Testament, contentment means “be satisfied,” or even “make do,” to take delight. By following Paul’s example, we replace feelings of overwhelm with a grounded, steady peace that is found only in Christ.  

4. Choice Peace.

While statistical studies show that the holidays may bring a sense of overwhelm with the hustle and bustle, we have a choice to embrace something far greater: the peace of God. Let the truth of God’s word anchor your heart this season and meditate on His promises when you feel a sense of overwhelm creeping in. 

And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]. - Colossians 3:15 AMP

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.-  2 Thessalonians 3:16

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. - Isaiah 26:3

A Prayer for Peace and Calm this Holiday Season

Father,
Thank You for the joy and peace that You give us, not just in the holiday season but every season. Grant me the wisdom to set healthy and appropriate boundaries that allow me to maintain a posture of peace. Forgive me for the times where discontentment has grown greater than contentment. Help me by your Spirit to focus on what truly matters. May I continually keep my heart and mind anchored in You and Your word.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen. 

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/nicoletaionescu

Lekeisha Maldon is a speaker, Bible teacher, and counselor who is deeply passionate about inspiring and empowering women to lead transformed lives through the power of Christ. She has authored "Pages From My Heart: A Devotional For Women" and curated a 5-day plan titled "From Worry To Worship" on the YourVersion Bible App. Her writing has been featured in publications such as Vinewords Devotions & More, Iridescent Women, and Revell Books. Lekeisha has organized several women's ministry events, been a guest speaker for various organizations such as InterVarsity Christian Fellowship campus ministries, and led domestic and international mission trips. Outside of her ministry endeavors, she is a seasoned IT Business consultant with nearly 20 years of experience. She holds degrees in Business Management and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling. She is married to her best friend, Charles, and is the proud mother to her beautiful baby girl. To learn more visit her website walkthenarrowway.com or connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Christianity.com. For more faith-building resources, visit Christianity.com.