“We’ve got to do better next year.”

How many of us said those words after the holidays last year? Overdoing it with too much food, family, friends, and festivities, we once again found ourselves facing the brutal reality that we didn’t plan effectively or discipline ourselves the way we should have.

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Pray for your fellow intercessor.

Isn’t it time we make a quality decision to prepare ourselves to minimize stress and avert burnout, sickness, and feelings of failure once again?

From 50 years of ministry experience and lessons I’ve learned from my own missteps, let me share some practical steps to help us navigate this “most wonderful time of the year” that’s meant to be filled with faith and fun! Deliberate decisions versus good intentions pave the way, so this year let’s be proactive and intentional so that we can reap the rewards.

Ten Tips

In surveying the suggestions, stay flexible and seek the ideal, but face the real. Don’t get bound up with busyness and a desire for perfection. Be like Mary, who chose “what is better” by prioritizing time spent with Jesus, while her sister Martha remained anxious about many things (Luke 10:38–42). This leads us to point No. 1:

1. Keep communion with God uppermost.

Having found peace with God, we maintain the peace of God by spending regular time in His presence. Just as Jesus awoke in the morning and went off to a solitary place to pray (Mark 1:35), let us resist the “tyranny of the urgent” and instead follow in His footsteps. Taking time for worship, reflection, and scripture keeps our relationship with Him fresh so that we stay on the right track toward a peaceful and productive day.

2. Stay in sync with sleep.

Falling prey to a pattern of staying up late shooting the breeze and snacking takes its toll. Anxiety adversely affects our immune systems and an antidote is regular nights of restorative good sleep. Make it your aim to keep a clear conscience and to claim the promise of Scripture: I will both lie down in peace, and sleep … (Psalm 4:8 NKJV).  Then pray the God-given blessing of Numbers 6:24–26 (my wife and I do this every night, having watched her parents do it), which concludes with a provision for God to “give you peace.”

3. Take time to plan.

Fail to plan, plan to fail! With all the activities and demands of the holidays, don’t spontaneously take things “on the fly.” Pray and plan, knowing that order and peace come from the same Greek word. You don’t lose track of your keys when you always put them in the same place!

Sit down with your spouse and put on a master calendar all those tentative commitments about which you agree. Space things out. Allow for the unexpected. Revisit the calendar often to make adjustments. Make food assignments for extended family gatherings, so you’re not having to do it all!

4. Set boundaries/learn to say no.

Jesus said: “ … Are there not twelve hours in the day?” (John 11:9). We all have the same pie to slice wisely. Don’t be a people pleaser — learn how to decline invitations graciously: “Janice, thanks for your invitation, but we ask for your understanding as we must decline at this time, after checking our calendar.”

5. Plan your spending.

It’s important to set a budget and stick to it! It’s commendable to want to bless everyone, but not at the expense of drifting into debt. God wants us to be both generous and good stewards — for which we will one day give an account.

6. Cultivate calm surroundings.

Jesus is the Prince of peace, and we shouldn’t sacrifice the peaceful presence of God to our circumstances. Be proactive in nurturing an atmosphere of tranquility at home, while minimizing tension. See strife as an enemy, so as to resolve any conflict quickly, thus stopping the little foxes that spoil the vineyards (Song of Solomon 2:15).

Turn on relaxing worship music or Christmas carols and light candles (if you’ve got little ones at home, get battery-operated ones!). Calming background music and the scent of candles help foster an environment that soothes the soul.

7. Maintain healthy habits.

Holidays are notorious for interrupting workouts, walking, and wellness routines. Interruptions do occur, but this can be a time for creative alternatives, such as taking Christmas-light walking tours, or strolling through the mall. The Bible highlights times for feasting, so do celebrate the season, but curb your appetite by drinking a glass of water and enjoying some fresh fruit before dinner parties.

8. Avoid antagonism.

Let everyone be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19 NMB). Commit to civility before any social gatherings, and steer clear of controversial issues. Remember: The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so abandon the quarrel before it breaks out (Proverbs 17:14 NASB).

9. Lighten up and laugh.

In turbulent times, remember: A merry heart does good, like medicine … (Proverbs 17:22 NKJV). Thank God daily for His blessings. Read an inspiring book. Take a nap. Watch an uplifting movie like The Chosen or It’s a Wonderful Life, or comedies like Elf or reruns of I Love Lucy or Leave it to Beaver!

10. Prioritize people.

Limit your time on the internet! Give yourself to meaningful interaction with family, friends, and fellow human beings — shut off the social media and cut back on your hours spent staring at a screen. Sit down and connect with others in person or on the phone. Listen. Inquire. Empathize. Learn. Reminisce. Commiserate. Pray for each other — and maybe even lead someone to the Lord!

Here’s the deal: During turbulent times, remember that we’re in this together for the glory of God and the advancement of His glorious gospel. Let’s position ourselves for peace and for prosperous days ahead. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

How are you praying through this holiday season? Share your prayers and scriptures below.

Larry Tomczak is a cultural commentator of 46 years, an IFA board member, a bestselling author, and a public-policy adviser with Liberty Counsel. His innovative video/book, BULLSEYE, develops informed influencers in 30 days (see www.bullseyechallenge.com). Hear his weekly podcast here. Photo Credit: Canva.