DON’T OVER–EXTEND YOURSELF FINANCIALLY. Give out of love - not to get love. Many over – extend their credit and live with the guilt and hardship of paying off their credit cards for several months into the New Year. Some have the philosophy of “Shop ‘til you drop”! Many loved ones soon forget the gifts when the focus is more on the gift than the giver. A simpler yet meaningful gift is many times more appreciated and remembered. Don’t feel pressured to over – extend your financial ability to pay.

DON’T OVER–EXPECT TOO MUCH OF YOUR FAMILY. The holidays can be a great time for families to get–together. For some, family get-togethers and expectations lead to disputes and bitter feelings. Don’t expect uncle “Joe” or grandma to change their ways too much. Learnt to accept and love family as they are. Perhaps you could learn to appreciate, or at least accept, their uniqueness. One sure way to peace and joy is to make amends with any stressed or fractured relationship. When you forgive those who have hurt or offended you, a stream of God’s peace, joy, and forgiveness flows into and through you. Life is too short to fight and too precious not to forgive. “For is you forgive men their transgressions, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you yours” (Matthew 6:14, 15).

DON’T OVER-EXERT YOUR BODY WITHH TOO MUCH FOOD. Too much rich food and drink often results in a “let down”, depression, and/or sickness. Enjoy holiday foods in moderation and share food with family, friends, and those in need.

DON’T OVER-EXPEND ON FUN ACTIVITIES. For some the holidays are a whirlwind of parties, dinners, programs, and activities. Some have to take some days off after the holidays just to rest and recuperate. Have fun but try to prioritize and limit how many activities you are going to be involved in. Learn how to truly celebrate with more simple, wholesome, and/ or spiritual activities. Learn to enjoy people more than things.

DON’T OVER-EXAGERATE FANTASIES OF WHAT THE HOLIDAYS SHOULD BE. Some are disappointed when the holidays do not fulfill their childhood memories or fantasies. If expectations of an idealistic “white Christmas” are not fulfilled, some people become depressed. We can cherish the memories of past holidays, but we must also make our own memories, traditions, and activities for today and the future. True happiness flows from the heart. Giving – not getting – brings lasting joy.

DON’T X-OUT FAITH DURING THE HOLIDAYS. Some try to secularize the holidays. For them it is simply a time for family, fun, and freedom from work or the frenzied ring of the cash register. To have a truly happy holiday – focus on faith and the spiritual rather than the secular. Many forget that the reason for the season is Christ. Put Christ back in X-mas and you will not just have a Happy Holiday but a faith filled Holy Day.

Look for God to speak to you. It may be a simple serendipitous moment at a child’s play, a concert, a cantata, an evening walk, or possibly while serving in a soup kitchen. Expect God to speak to you as you seek Him and open your heart in faith to His love. He will send a glow of gladness and flood your soul with The Light.

To have a truly happy holiday, focus on God’s greatest gift. What is it? “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting lift” (John 3:16).
Have a Happy Holy Day!