Do the holidays stress you out? Are you getting anxiety just thinking about them? I love gathering with family for Thanksgiving and celebrating Christmas but the preparations can send me into a tail spin if I’m not careful. I’ve learned a few things over the years that have helped me to keep things in perspective. After all, it’s all about HIM, not us.

I’m a Type A person by nature but I’ve learned the hard way that striving for perfection will only leave you exhausted and ruin your holiday season. It’s not a performance but rather about praising God, who has blessed us abundantly and gave us his son, Jesus. We’re to magnify Him with thanksgiving. (Psalm 69:30) It’s not about the decorations in our home, the food on our table or the gifts we offer one another but about having a devoted heart that serves the Lord. When people come to your home, they’re not going to remember the details that we can get so caught up in. They will remember the feeling of being with you.

Too often I thought I had to be “Super Mom” and take on the tasks of making each holiday special and memorable for my family, insisting I didn’t need help, when I really did. You don’t have to do it all! People like to pitch in, so ask for help. If they offer a helping hand, accept it with a grateful heart. Likewise, if you’re struggling with something deeper than getting your family dinner cooked for Thanksgiving or the presents wrapped for Christmas, remember He is your helper. Psalm 28:7 says, “The Lord is my strength and shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped.” He will see you through anything!  Don’t forget to stop and take it all in. Listen to the laughter, smell the delicious scents & take in the beauty of loved ones together. The simplest moments are usually the most precious.

Giving and serving others around you is another way to lighten your load. There’s something about focusing on others that gives our heart a heavenly perspective. The best way to take our eyes off of this world is to shift our focal point. Be on the lookout for an opportunity to bless others.  When people in need cross your path, be unexpectedly generous. This is the time of the year when people are the most receptive to hearing about Jesus. Your kindness could open the door to lead someone to Christ. Serving others will give you far more joy than any twinkling lights or home baked treats. “If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness…” Isaiah 58:10.  Most of what we do to prepare for the holidays is temporary but sharing the love of Jesus with others is something that will last forever. Shine your light!

Don’t allow a list of expectations, heartwarming movies and social media ads tell you what your holidays should look like. Instead, focus on WHO it’s about and HOW you can honor HIM through the season with your family. I pray it's filled with lots of joy and peace. “For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36)

 -April Sather, 88.3 WAFJ Morning Show