The Holidays are fast approaching. With good tidings of great joy can also come bad tidings of great stress… I’m sure that many online writers have given tips on how to help during the holidays. But My post today is a quick reminder of 3 things we have little control over during the holidays (or anytime really).
People
You can’t control other people’s behaviour, but you can conrol your responses to it. – Roberta Cava
People are everywhere during the holidays. We run into them while shopping, we cram our homes full of them, we meet them at random places for celebrating.
In these highly charged environments, we have to remember that we can’t control other people. They are probably just as stressed out as we are. Take that into consideration before lashing out with something you will regret later.
The old phrase is “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”
Places
Sometimes you have to go into tough family situations. You can’t control them, but you might be able to limit the time you are there. Talk with your spouse BEFORE you go into the difficult situations and figure out some boundaries.
How much time will we spend at my parents?
How much time will we spend at yours?
What will we do if X,Y,Z Shows up?
What will we do if they don’t?
How much money are we spending for Christmas?
These type questions need to be discussed before you travel over the river and through the woods.
Things
Lots of ‘things’ come at us during the holidays.
Here’s a short list: Presents (or lack of them), high emotions, holiday parties, taking kids to see Santa, Christmas lists, shopping at the mall, getting behind on the shopping, crowds of people, putting up decorations on the house, estranged family members, not being able to see family members, where will the kids spend Christmas, etc.
All of these have to potential to rob us of enjoying the season.
Our response, once again, is the important thing. We can become bitter or resentful. Or we can realize that we are all broken and give others some grace.
I think Paul writing to the Romans summed it up nicely: Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
…and be thankful that its only a short period during the year!! 
Stu & Lisa have been married 8 years (together 11) and have a heart to encourage couples in their marriages. They live in Middle Tennessee, have an awesome 6 year old, and a mutt named 'Boo'.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Why is it that the holidays are not jolly? It is the most stressful time of year, not to mention the pressure of purchasing gifts, meeting expectations, etc. In my opinion, it’s all a racket, which is precisely why I celebrate year-round with cheer, by giving and gratefulness. I have conditioned my family to do the same.