Avoiding a Catastrophic Christmas

one

Get rid of unrealistic expectations

Christmas is a special time of year. We all want it to be the best. But it can’t be perfect. In fact, the perfect is the enemy of the good. The Hallmark Channel is an instrument of the Anti-Christ.

It is not going to be perfect or go the way you expect. So let go of unrealistic expectations of perfection so that you can delight in the immense good. What were Mary’s expectations for the first Christmas? What was her birth plan? She was surrendered. I am sure she and Joseph had a plan, took action and then were detached to the outcome. This made them free and open to what God would do. You do the same. Make a plan, take action and detach from the outcome. Then you are free to what God wants to do.

two

Let go of unrealistic expectations of people you spend Christmas with.

There are people we will spend Christmas with whom we find annoying because we have unrealistic expectations of them. We treat them like they are from the island of misfit toys. There’s the cowboy who rides an ostrich, the water pistol that shoots jelly, the boat that can’t stay afloat, the airplane that can’t fly and the train with square wheels. That’s my relatives. And that is me. And that is you. We are all from the Island of Misfit Toys.

Unrealistic expectations are premeditated resentment. Instead, drop your expectations of the people around you to be how you want them to be, find the good in them, and delight in it. Yes, find the good in every person this Christmas and absolutely delight in them. That is your goal.

three

Don’t be a Christmas Martyr or Sloth

If you are Martha, busy doing everything to make a great Christmas for others, then stop trying to do it alone. Ask for help but without a hint of judgment or anger.

If you are Mary, not the one taking care of hosting, meals, or gifts, ask how you can help and roll up your sleeves – make a gift of your service.

four

Give the gift of Forgiveness

We have resentments and conflict from past hurts that are unforgiven. These prevent us from delighting in people and deepening our relationship. Before you get together with them for Christmas, forgive them from your heart. Think of the people you will be with, think of the past wounds and differences. Then say, Father, I forgive them for they did not know what they were doing. That is what Jesus said from the Cross about you and me.

five

Make Joy your goal

Joy is an awareness of the good. If you want joy this Christmas, then be very intentional to cultivate an awareness of the good all around you. Then thank God for each and every good person and thing you experience. The result will be joy.

Merry Christmas!