Hope For The Holidays

Is it just me or does it seem like the moment we reach the month of October, we begin a rollercoaster ride straight into a new year? As we approach this fast-paced journey through the holiday season, there are mixed emotions that we all seem to experience. There is the excitement of the fall season, the beauty of leaves in warm colors that unfold before our eyes, the crisp air, and not to mention that one extra hour of sleep! There is also the time of preparation for family gatherings, shopping, gift exchanges, and carrying out traditions that have been a foundation in our lives.

However, there are also emotions that we face that involve grief, bitterness, loneliness, and loss. When we think of grief, it is often in reference to losing someone that you love, but there are other life changes that bring about grief. There is the loss of jobs, relationships, health, finances, opportunities, all of which can make the holidays seem unbearable to get through.

There are a few things that you must know as you prepare for this holiday season. The first and most important thing is to understand that you are not alone. Sometimes you may feel that no one understands what you are going through and that no one cares. We forget that God also knows what it’s like to experience grief because of the sacrifice of God’s only Son, Jesus. God knows what it feels like to be hurt, angry, and grieve in the same ways that we do, which can help us find comfort in the One who understands.

Secondly, the emotions you are experiencing are perfectly normal. People may tell you that you need to get over it and move on, but what they fail to realize is that you never get over your loss, but with God’s help, you can get through it and your ability to cope will become a little easier.

Third, we all have experienced those moments in which we try to find quick and easy solutions to our problems. Whether it is turning to alcohol, drugs, overeating, rebellion or any other type of destructive behavior, it is important to understand that those are not solutions, but cover ups. It’s like putting a band-aid on a broken arm—it doesn’t get to the root of the problem in order to bring healing. Be aware of those “cover ups” that you rely on, and try to find positive ways to deal with your emotions, such as taking a walk, talking to a friend, writing, painting, or things that will help you cope and avoid destructive behavior.

Finally, make a promise to yourself that you will do your best to make it through the holidays. This is not to say that you have to lie or be phony, but even if you don’t feel like getting into the holiday spirit, determine to do the best that you can to keep a positive attitude. If you tell yourself that the holidays will always be a miserable and unpleasant time for you, then they will be. Sometimes people work through their losses by helping others. Knowing that you can bless the lives of someone else can bring healing to you in ways that you could never imagine.

As you prepare for this holiday season, be comforted in knowing that God has not abandoned you. Whatever your loss is, God will help you through it, and will continue to heal those areas within you that have been deeply wounded. Just take it one day at a time, continue to move forward in life, and allow God to do the rest. By doing so, you will be a little closer to truly experiencing hope for the holidays.