Christmas is next week. Can you believe it?!

As I’ve mentioned before, the holidays can be difficult for me. They come with a bundle of complicated feelings. One thing I’ve found helpful is remembering that I get to choose what is meaningful to me about this season, and I get to choose where to place my focus. And I want that focus to be on the right things.

Decorating yourself is a Biblical concept. Remember when Paul instructs us to “put on the whole armour of God”? Colossians 3 also has a whole list of things we can put on. As you look at the beautiful decorations in your home, don’t forget to decorate yourself—put on—some things to make this time more peaceful for your heart.

Patience. This might not be the prettiest, shiniest ornament that we would choose to display prominently in our lives—in fact, it’s more like the old beat-up one that you might try to hide in the back. It is, however, one of the most valuable ones we have! We are going to need it for everything from waiting in lines to dealing with others. Maybe we’ll set the tone and be the example that others look to in these busy days.

Awareness. Try not to get caught up in self-focus this season, and instead be mindful of others. Perhaps you know someone who won’t be able to travel to see their family, or someone who has suffered a loss this year. Maybe you know someone who lives alone who does not have anyone to celebrate with. This time of year there are so many ways to reach out! Send a card, bake some goodies, invite someone to a Christmas event. Let them know you see them and care about them.

Grace. We need to put on grace maybe more than any of these other things. Of course we need grace for others, but we need it just as much for ourselves. I have perfectionist tendencies, and no one is going to be harder on me than I am myself. Maybe I can’t always measure up to my own standards, but what is important in this life? Loving God and loving others. If we have to let go of some extras in order to do those two things well, we’ll still have a great holiday. Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t do all you want this Christmas, and instead embrace grace.

What else would you add to this list? Which ornaments are your favorite to put on?

Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay