“I hate Christmas,” I complained to my husband, “Why can’t anything be easy?”
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve groaned that sentiment to him.
My ever expanding list of things to do was beginning to overwhelm me and my mind raced with ways to get it all done in time.
The holiday season was supposed to feel magical, but instead, it felt like a relentless race I was always losing. Between work deadlines, school events, gift shopping, and meal planning, I was completely over it all.
Then, my sweet daughter handed me gifts she had made for her past teachers and I realized that I had been so caught up in the busyness that I forgot to pause, breathe, and look for the beauty. In that moment, I decided to trade stress for gratitude.
Psalm 9:1 says, “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” This verse has become my anthem during the holiday season.
Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s overwhelming us to what God has already done for us. It’s a subtle but profound change that invites peace into our hearts.
As I leaned into this truth, I discovered how gratitude can transform not only our outlook but also our actions – even during the busiest seasons.
Gratitude as a Weapon Against Stress
The Bible is rich with encouragement to practice gratitude, and for good reason. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This isn’t just an abstract idea—it’s a practical strategy for dealing with stress.
When we approach life with a grateful heart, we invite God’s peace to take over where anxiety once ruled.
Gratitude is a choice, and when we make it, we’re actively resisting the stress and pressure that the holidays can bring.
3 Strategies for Reducing Holiday Stress with Gratitude
1. Start Your Day with a Gratitude List
Each morning, take five minutes to write down at least three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big – simple joys like your morning coffee, a warm bed, or a kind text can reset your perspective.
As Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” This simple practice helps us approach each task with thanksgiving, making even mundane moments feel sacred.
2. Pause and Pray During Overwhelming Moments
When stress creeps in, pause and whisper a prayer of thanksgiving. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong, thank God for His provision in the moment.
This might sound like, “Lord, thank you for the strength to get through today,” or, “Thank you for the people I’m serving, even when it feels hard.”
The Psalmist writes in Psalm 118:24, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Gratitude redirects our focus to the blessings in front of us, even when the day feels heavy.
3. Create a Family Gratitude Tradition
Turn gratitude into a family affair. During the holidays, set aside time to share what you’re thankful for around the dinner table or write your blessings on slips of paper to read aloud.
Psalm 136:1 encourages us, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” Teaching our children to recognize God’s goodness, even in the busyness, can plant seeds of gratitude that last a lifetime.
A Grateful Heart for Thanksgiving
The Bible doesn’t promise us a stress-free life, but it does promise that God will walk with us through every trial.
Hebrews 12:28 reminds us, “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.”
During the holidays, we can hold onto this unshakable kingdom truth.
While the world around us may feel chaotic, God’s love and sovereignty remain steady. Gratitude is a way to acknowledge this and shift our focus to His eternal promises.
Psalm 100:4-5 encourages us to enter God’s presence with thanksgiving: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
When we practice gratitude, we aren’t just changing our attitude; we’re entering God’s presence. And in His presence, we find the peace and strength we need to face the demands of life.
As you enjoy Thanksgiving with our families, I want to take a moment to thank you – for the work you do for your family, for your heart that seeks to serve, and for the courage to show up even when it’s hard. You are seen, loved, and cherished by God.
This Thanksgiving, may you experience the fullness of His peace and joy as you lean into gratitude. May you find moments of rest, laughter, and connection with your loved ones.
Happy Thanksgiving, from my family to yours!
Are you ready to experience a more joyful, peaceful holiday season?
Join me live at 3PM ET on Friday, November 29th for a FREE workshop, From Overwhelmed to Organized: 10 Sanity-Saving Strategies for Stressed-Out Moms, and discover practical ways to crush overwhelm and take back control of your days.
Let’s make this a season to remember—not for the stress but for the joy.
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