The holidays are a wonderfully, beautifully chaotic time filled with shared meals, precious memories, and an overdose of consumerism. Spirits are high, halls are decked, schedules are full, and some of us…we’re tired. The holiday season offers a lot of hope and fellowship with loved ones, but it comes with a lot of struggles, as well. Expectations for us to show up for every celebration and Christmas recital, overstimulation from an abundance of late-night lighting and online shopping, foods being shoved under our noses at every turn. While it can be fun, it can also be exhausting. And we don’t want to show up as an exhausted, burnt-out version of ourselves for our own holiday celebrations that we wait all year for. Wouldn’t it be much better if we could do something to protect our energy and peace during the holidays without guilt?
The Weight of Merry and Bright
“Tis the season to be jolly.” Right? That’s how the song goes. But many of us are left feeling drained and depleted. Even then, we’re expected to show up wearing a smile and pretending to be full of Christmas cheer. And we don’t want to disappoint loved ones – some of them small and impressionable, others we haven’t seen all year. But friend, you are still so important. Your peace is paramount, and you don’t have to sacrifice it to have a happy holiday.
It’s ok if you’re not feeling that holiday spirit. You’re allowed to feel tired, overwhelmed, or stressed. And if you do, it’s time to stop and rethink your holiday plans. Because you are still allowed to take care of yourself, even during the holiday season.
Why Protecting Your Energy Matters
God’s magnificent design for our lives isn’t to wear us out. There are countless verses about entering into His rest, and one of His ten commandments tells us to take a Sabbath – not for His sake, but for ours (Exodus 20:8-11, Mark 2:27). Emotional depletion can lead to spiritual depletion, and no one wants that. Well, we do know someone who wants that, and he’s a real-life spiritual Grinch who’d love to steal your Christmas and your joy. Don’t let him win.
Have you ever been on an airplane and been told that, in the event of an emergency, to place the oxygen mask on your own face before trying to help someone else? That’s because someone who is breathing can better help others. Someone who is well rested, whose cup is full, is better able to show up for those around them. Even if you want to make it about those you love, you’re still better off making sure your own cup is full. Otherwise, you’re just pouring from an empty cup, and how much can you really give when you’re running on empty? By taking care of yourself, protecting your peace, and being well-rested, you’ll feel better and you’ll be better equipped to care for those you love.
Practical Ways to Protect Your Energy
How do you walk that fine line showing up for yourself and showing up for others? Here are some ways to protect your energy during the holidays.
- Set boundaries: Say no with grace. You don’t owe anyone an apology for protecting your peace, and neither are they entitled to your time.
- Keep Christ at the center: Refocus on what really matters – on God. Lay your plans at the altar and let Him guide your steps.
- Create quiet moments: Take time for yourself in ways that feel good to you. Morning stillness, prayer walks, journaling, reading. Do something that fills your cup every day.
- Be present, not perfect: Let go of performance and perfectionism. Your presence means more than your performance.
- Release guilt: You’re allowed to rest, even when others expect more from you. They are not your responsibility, you (and your immediate family) are. People who really care about you won’t make you feel guilty for taking care of yourself.
What to Do When You Still Feel Drained
Even with the best of intentions, burnout can happen. That’s ok, don’t let it get you down. Exhaustion doesn’t mean failure. It means you need a little extra care. When someone is sick, we don’t expect them to do everything they would do when they are well. We should treat exhaustion the same way. Take the time necessary to recover, then re-shift your focus on what matters the most and surrender fully to God. Trust Him to take you through the season. Ask Him to help you protect your peace. Let Him be your peace.
Conclusion: There is Hope
Eventually, the lights and the music will stop. The holidays will be over and the cold, bleak depths of winter will be upon us. Winter is for rest, but you don’t have to wait for January to protect your peace. Begin now and reap the benefits throughout the season. The peace you cultivate now can accompany you into the new year, and these tips can be used all year long. Protecting your energy isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. It’s choosing to honor God by faithfully stewarding the temple you’ve been given.
Choosing peace over pressure allows you to be present for what really matters. So, choose peace. Choose joy. And when you feel that temptation to overextend yourself, remember you don’t have to do it all to be loved and respected.
