During the Christmas season, the “should’s” and “have-to’s” seem to pile on us more than any other time of year. The pressure we put on ourselves to live up to other people’s perceived expectations can be intense. There are simple practices that you can use to invite lasting peace into your holiday season. This article offers help for Christians seeking spiritual calm during holidays.

Feeling Lost in the Holiday Rush? It is so easy to get caught up in the cultural norms surrounding Christmas: shopping, parties, cookie baking, school concerts, and church pageants, etc. Many of these activities are supposed to make us feel peace, love, and blessings, but oftentimes we are left feeling exhausted, hung-over, and broke. As we go through our busy lives planning for the Christmas season, let’s look for where we can give approval, kindness and love to our fellow humans. A positive word, a smile, or a kind gesture can go a long way to spreading Christmas peace.