As wonderful as holiday gatherings can be, they can also be stressful and filled with conflict. Here are a few things to help optimize the moment

3 min read

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…

Galatians 5:22-23

As Christmas approaches, no doubt, some of us are anticipating – or dreading – the family gatherings. These should be moments of joy and celebration for the gifts God has graced upon us, but sometimes they turn into something much less beautiful. Something offensive is said or done and things go sideways – just like that.

It happens. Turns out there’s a little bit of the Griswold family in all of us.

To help us gather well this year, here are a few things my family and I are trying to keep in mind.

1. Don’t presume upon the moment. None of us knows what tomorrow will bring, so we best appreciate the opportunity that is in front of us to be together. A lot could change by the time the next family gathering rolls around. The present is just that, a present. So, rather than looking past it, may God help us to be fully present.
2. Don’t be selfish. The key to diminishing enjoyment of the family gathering is to think mostly about yourself. Just think about what you want and when you want it and you will surely be disappointed. Make it about you and nothing will be right. However, make it about God and others and your experience will totally exceed your expectations.
3. Pray beforehand. Before you go into the family gathering, whether it’s a week before, an hour before, or the minute before, something that can really protect the moment is to pray over it. Ask God to help you and everyone else that will be present to put their best foot forward. Ask Him to bless the conversation and all the interaction so that no one gets “thrown under the bus” and everyone is uplifted. Pray for fun and laughter, but the kind where nobody gets hurt in the process. Most importantly, pray that God is honored in everything that takes place.

We need each other! After not having our family gatherings for a while, it’s clear how important they are for human health and flourishing. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy!

May the Lord help us to keep these things in mind and may we gather well as we celebrate His birth.

From our family to yours, have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!

It’s a new day with God. Run with it.