5 Ways to Care for Your Heart this Holiday Season

The holidays can be hard for multiple reasons. But today, I’m going to focus on the one that’s had me in a chokehold for the past few years: not being where you want to be. 

Falling short of your personal status goals bring this unprecedented pressure from family members during the holidays. You remind yourself that you’ll be hearing:

When are you getting married? 

When will you have kids? 

How many are you going to have? 

What’s next in your career? 

When are you going to get a real job? 

Why haven’t you graduated yet? 

It can be overwhelming, especially when you have already been hard on yourself.

Encouragement is good, but sometimes you need something practical to hold onto when those questions come flying across the dinner table. So after this blog has been read save what you need for ways to ground yourself, extend grace and stay present in the holiday season. I’m giving you 5 ways to care for yourself and guard your heart in this season: 

Grace for Today 

If the holidays are difficult for you, whether for these reasons or more, I want to remind you to give yourself grace. You’re one person, doing the best you can with what you have.

Whatever mistakes you’ve made, you’re still moving forward. You’re wiser now. And for anything that feels missing, I pray you’re filled with contentment until those desires find their way into your life.

Take Care of Yourself 

Tear down the guilt and realize that taking care of yourself this season isn’t selfish it’s actually essential.

Go to the spa. Take a long bath. Listen to soft music. Watch your favorite holiday movies. Go to the park. Spend time with yourself and check in regularly. You deserve rest and gentleness.

Validation is in Christ 

This is the perfect time to remind yourself that your validation comes from Christ. Your joy is found in the Lord.

It’s not always easy when we’re surrounded by reminders of what we want—but nothing is wrong with those desires. Use this time to have open, honest conversations with God about what’s on your heart and what He might be preparing you for in this season.
 

Grounding Techniques 

When anxiety or overwhelm creeps in, grounding techniques can help you calm your nervous system and come back to the present.

Try taking a few deep breaths. Then name one thing you can see, one thing you can hear, one thing you can smell, one thing you can touch, and one thing you can taste (or want to taste).

It sounds simple, but this practice shifts your mind from spiraling thoughts to steady presence and helping you stay rooted in the moment rather than lost in worry or comparison.

Boundaries 

Lastly, set real boundaries. Be firm but respectful about topics you don’t want to discuss.

Seek out the relatives and friends who are supportive, and lean on them. Respect yourself by honoring the limits you’ve set. 

For the most part, your family means well; they just want to see you happy. But that can sometimes lead to intrusive or uncomfortable conversations. You can’t control what others say, but you can control how you respond.

Let the Holy Spirit guide you, and take care of yourself in the ways that bring peace this holiday season.

Here’s to Taking Care of Yourself

May this season be one of gentleness, grace, and steady faith. You are doing better than you think, and remember God is with you, right where you are.

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