Short Christian encouragement for holidays

As you know, the holiday season can be difficult for so many people. It can be a sad time for me too, sometimes. While it is often portrayed as a time of joy and celebration, the holiday season can also bring feelings of sadness and loneliness. Plus, the pressure to be constantly happy and surrounded by loved ones can be overwhelming. That is why I think it is important to acknowledge that it’s okay to feel a little down during this time of year. In this post, I am sharing some short Christian encouragement for the holiday season that can help both you and me. My encouragement for you will be in blue bold print below.

Let me say it clearly and boldly: some people don’t enjoy the holidays, and that’s okay.

They should be allowed to feel however they feel. It might be hard for them to admit that they don’t like the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, especially in a world that emphasizes gratitude. Yes, gratitude is important, but humans feel an array of emotions. Pretending we don’t perpetuates a “perfection” that stresses people out.

Personally, I think it’s alright not to enjoy the holidays ALL of the time, but it’s not okay to stay depressed throughout the entire season.

When I feel down during the holidays, I intentionally do certain things to make myself feel better.

For example, during the months from November to January, I make it a priority to find joy or at least peace, given my current circumstances.

This year, my holidays are incredibly different from the years past. It is missing the joy of the past due to illness. It’s a hard time. I am writing to myself in this post as much as I am trying to help you. This short Christian encouragement for holidays is for me as much as it is for you.

If you are looking for words you can share or text to someone as short Christian encouragement for the holidays, here are some things to consider:

1. “May the love of Christ surround you with peace and joy this holiday season. Remember, God’s strength is your strength.”
   
   
2. “In the midst of holiday festivities, find rest in the hope of Jesus. You are stronger than you think, anchored in His love.”
   
   
3. “Sending prayers for God’s love to fill your heart with warmth and comfort. You’re not alone; the Lord is with you in every moment.”
   
   
4. “As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, take a moment to breathe in His grace. Your strength is a testament to His enduring love.”
   
   
5. “In the hustle of the holidays, remember that God’s love surrounds you. You are cherished, and brighter days are ahead in His plan.”
   
   
6. “May the peace of Christ be with you this holiday season, bringing comfort and strength. You’re held in His arms of love.”
   
   
7. “Embracing the true meaning of Christmas, may you find solace in the love of Jesus and the warmth of His presence.”
   
   
8. “Wishing you a Christ-centered holiday season, filled with the joy that comes from knowing the Savior deeply loves you.”
   
   
9. “Your resilience reflects the strength Christ provides. May His love and grace be your companions during this festive season.”
   
   
10. “Your resilience reflects the strength Christ provides. May His love and grace be your companions during this festive season.”
    
    
11. “In the spirit of Christmas, may you find reassurance in the love of Jesus and the joy that comes from knowing you are precious in His sight.”

Short Christian encouragement for holidays

If you find yourself feeling the “Christmas blues,” there are several strategies you can try to help improve your mood.

One option is to take care of yourself and do things that make you happy and relaxed.

This can include doing activities you particularly enjoy, spending time alone to think and relax, or treating yourself to a spa day or a cozy night at home.

Personally, I like to write, so I write more this season than before. I make time for it, which helps me think my writing may encourage someone.

I urge you to find something that gives you joy during the holidays.

Do not isolate.

Another helpful approach is to reach out and connect with others.

While it may be tempting to isolate yourself when you’re feeling low, spending time with loved ones and socializing can often lift your spirits.

If you are unable to be with family or friends during the holidays, consider reaching out to them through phone calls, video chats, or even sending heartfelt messages. I guarantee you surrounding yourself with support and love can significantly affect how you feel.

My short Christian encouragement for holidays: Being alone will not help you. Reach out. Attend church. Get involved in activities – do something to be around other people.

Bless someone else.

Finding ways to help others can improve your mood.

You can engage in acts of kindness, volunteer at a charity, or donate to causes you care about.

This can help you focus less on your own difficulties and bring meaning to the holiday season.

If you are creative, here are some ideas to be a blessing and give others some quick or short Christian encouragement for holidays:

1. Artistic Workshops for Healing:
   Offer your creative skills by organizing art workshops for individuals facing challenging circumstances, such as those in hospitals, shelters, or recovery centers. Use various art forms like painting, drawing, or crafts to provide participants with a therapeutic and uplifting experience.
   
2. Storytelling and Literacy Programs:
   Volunteer to lead storytelling or creative writing sessions in local schools or community centers. Inspire creativity and literacy by engaging participants in imaginative storytelling, writing exercises, or creating a community storybook reflecting diverse voices and experiences.
   
3. Interactive Street Art Projects:
   Organize community-based street art projects that beautify public spaces while involving local residents. This could include mural painting, sidewalk chalk art events, or collaborative installations. The art becomes a symbol of community pride and creativity.
   
4. Theater Workshops for Empowerment:
   Volunteer to facilitate theater workshops, especially in underserved communities or with groups facing unique challenges. Use drama as a means of empowerment, self-expression, and building confidence. This creative approach can bring joy and healing to participants.
   
5. Upcycling and Eco-Friendly Initiatives:
   Contribute to environmental sustainability through creative volunteering. Organize workshops where volunteers can turn recycled materials into art and functional items, or even organize community clean-up events. This promotes environmental consciousness and fosters a sense of community pride.

Not creative? Here are other ways to provide speedy, short Christian encouragement for holidays:

1. Do Acts of Kindness:
   Surprise someone with simple acts of kindness, such as offering to run errands, bringing a homemade meal, or helping with chores. Pay for the food for the car in the drive-through behind you. Small gestures can have a significant impact on someone’s day.
   
2. Encouraging Notes:
   Write heartfelt notes of encouragement and leave them where others can find them—whether it’s on a colleague’s desk, in a library book, or tucked into a friend’s bag. Mail them to a nursing home. Positive affirmations can brighten someone’s mood and inspire them.
   
3. Listening and Support:
   Be a compassionate listener for someone going through a challenging time. Sometimes, offering a supportive ear can be a tremendous blessing. Your presence and understanding can make a world of difference.
   
4. Surprise Gifts:
   Thoughtful surprises, whether big or small, can bring joy to someone’s life. Consider giving a surprise gift that aligns with the person’s interests or needs, showing them that you care and are thinking of them.
   
5. Volunteer Your Time:
   Dedicate your time to volunteer for a cause or organization. Whether it’s at a local shelter, community center, or charity event, your time and skills can make a positive impact on the lives of others.
   
   
6. Share Your Skills:
   Offer to share your expertise or skills with someone who could benefit from them. This could include tutoring, mentoring, or providing guidance in areas where you have knowledge and experience.
   
   
7. Send a Thoughtful Text or Message:
   Send an uplifting or encouraging message to friends or family members. A simple text expressing care, love, or appreciation can brighten someone’s day, especially during challenging times. I gave you some ideas above. 🙂
   
   
8. Organize a Celebration:
   Plan a surprise celebration or gathering to honor someone’s achievements, milestones, or special occasions. This could be a birthday party, graduation celebration, or any event that recognizes and celebrates the individual. Or just bring donuts to the office for no reason.
   
9. Random Acts of Generosity:
   Practice random acts of generosity, such as paying for someone’s coffee, covering a stranger’s expenses, or leaving coins at a parking meter. These spontaneous acts can create a ripple effect of kindness.
   
   
10. Pray for Others:
    Lift others up in prayer. Whether you share your prayers with them or keep them private, praying for someone’s well-being and success is a powerful way to bless others.

My short Christian encouragement for holidays: Be a blessing. Blessing others doesn’t always require grand gestures; sometimes, small, intentional acts of kindness impact someone’s life.

Give yourself some grace.

Remember, it’s important to be gentle with yourself and allow yourself to feel whatever emotions arise during the holidays.

I think it’s okay not to always be in the spirit of celebration.

Take things at your own pace and prioritize your well-being. Seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor can also be beneficial if you’re struggling to cope with the holiday blues.

Ultimately, know that you’re not alone in feeling this way.

Many others may be experiencing similar emotions during the holiday season.

By practicing self-care, reaching out for support, and finding ways to give back, you can navigate through this period and find moments of peace and joy amidst the holiday blues.

Short Christian encouragement for holidays: Allow yourself to feel what you feel.

Reach out to Jesus

Turning to Jesus is a way to give yourself some short Christian encouragement for holidays and can provide a profound source of solace and hope.

The Christian faith provides a higher perspective beyond the holidays’ materialistic and sometimes overwhelming aspects. It encourages us to shift our attention towards the spiritual meaning of the season. It is all about Him – not the gifts or the turkey.

Through prayer, reflection on biblical teachings, and participation in Christian community activities, you can find comfort in the unchanging love and grace of Jesus.

Knowing that the holiday season is not solely about external festivities but about the birth of Christ, who brings light and hope to a world in need, can be a transformative and uplifting realization.

Jesus is all you need right now. He loves you so much and will carry you through this season. He sees you. He is the “what’s missing” in your life.

Ultimately, Jesus is the ultimate source of peace because he offers temporary relief and a transformative relationship with God. Through faith in Jesus, we can experience a peace that goes beyond circumstances, a peace that is rooted in the unchanging love and presence of God.

Finding true peace can feel elusive in a world often plagued by uncertainty, stress, and conflict. Yet, for those who embrace Jesus as their source of peace, a profound sense of calm transcends circumstances. He offers a peace that surpasses all understanding, a deep-seated assurance that all will be well, even in the face of anything.

My short Christian encouragement for holidays: turn to Jesus in prayer. Surround yourself with songs and sounds that point you to Him.

More practical short Christian encouragement for the holidays:

1. Self-talk is incredibly powerful and can positively impact our mindset.

One phrase that has helped me is “No pity parties allowed.”

By repeating this in my mind, I remind myself to focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. It’s important to remember that not everyone is experiencing a storybook Christmas or living a Hallmark Channel holiday movie.

In fact, movies and social media often present unrealistic portrayals of life.

We should not compare our own lives to the curated snippets others choose to share on platforms like Facebook. Instead, let’s embrace reality and find joy in the authentic moments that make up our own unique stories.

Everyone breathing air through their lungs is engaged in some form of struggle – whether they post it or not! There are no comparisons with what you think other people’s lives are like.

2. Banish the ghosts of Christmas past.

Want to be good and depressed?

Let me tell you what will depress you for sure – pondering and glorifying the “beauty and wonder” of past holidays.

Whatever is going on, accept your current state of being and find something good in it.

Somewhere, someone wishes they had your life and maybe even your problems.

For example, if you lost a beloved parent, someone wishes they had a parent to love and “lose” in their lifetime. They had no parents.

But don’t allow depression and grief to ruin your current season. Try to focus on the good things.

The keys to not being depressed this holiday season is shaping your expectations and excepting life as it is.

What if this year’s Christmas pales in comparison to the former ones? It’s okay.

You can still enjoy this Christmas in some fashion.

Again, focus on the blessings and live in the now.  Better yet, as I’ve mentioned, reach out in kindness to someone else to bless them.

Short Christian encouragement for holidays: the past is the past. Live in your present and make it the best you can.

3. Manage your expectations and focus on what is likely to happen.

For me, I consider past behavior to help shape my expectations.

Even though my brother may not work Christmas, he likely will. He’s a hardworking man. So, I shouldn’t be too disappointed if he opts for that post office extra loot. This means I cannot be bummed when he doesn’t stop by or doesn’t stay very long.

My point is that you shouldn’t allow some fairytale dream to dominate your mind. Live and accept your current reality.

For example, you can expect your adult kids to come home at Christmas. But they may not…especially if they normally don’t.

You may expect your holiday meal to turn out one way only to have it turn out another.

You may hope folks will help you clean the kitchen after dinner, but if they haven’t done it in the past, they likely won’t this year either. Shape your expectations.

Short Christian encouragement for holidays: Don’t expect anything different than what is going to happen.

One ore thing.

If you are having a hard time, it’s okay to turn to professionals who understand how our brains and body chemistry work. Therapy and counseling can be wonderful tools to help emotional healing.

That’s it. There is my short Christian encouragement for holidays for people feeling the weight of the holidays and for people looking to bless others during this time.

Thanks for reading!

I found a good article from the Biblical Counseling Coalition called “Healing the Holidays.” Read it here: https://www.biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/2013/12/02/healing-for-the-holidays/