10 Ways to Stay Calm through Christmas

How many of God’s promises can you recall? The Scriptures are filled with them, but most of us struggle to remember even a few. Focusing on what you know to be true is key in maintaining a sense of peace and calm at Christmas.

Here are a few to take with you:

God promises to never leave or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

God promises to protect you. (Psalm 121:7-8)

God promises to keep you in perfect peace. (Isaiah 26:3)

God promises to sustain you. (Isaiah 46:4)

God promises to work all things out for your good. (Romans 8:28)

Fixing your mind on these good and precious promises will help you remain calm through it all.

Heavenly Father, please keep my mind on You this Christmas. When distractions come, remind me of the reason I’m celebrating. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Whether you read or listen, the Psalms are a perfect place to land when anxiety is present. Here are a few comforting passages to hold close this Christmas:

“You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increased. I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:7-8 NKJV)

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her; she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” (Psalm 46:4-5)

“He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” (Psalm 91:4 NLT)

Gracious God, thank You for the beauty of the Psalms, which bring comfort and encouragement. I will meditate on Your Word this Christmas with joy and gladness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What could happen if you disengaged with social media from now until Christmas? By cutting back even an hour per day, you might discover a sense of peace you haven’t felt in a long time.

One helpful tip is to play a worship song anytime you’re tempted to scroll. This simple action can retrain your brain to praise God instead of engaging in mindless activity.

Raise your hands, dance in the living room, or take a walk as you listen. This practice instantly calms your heart and brings joy to your soul.

Lord, I choose to worship You instead of turning to fruitless things. Let this become a new habit that replaces the old. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Related: Faithful Scrolling: A Biblical Guide to Navigating Social Media

If you’re feeling uneasy these days, unforgiveness could be the reason. Without even realizing it, you may be harboring anger or resentment towards someone, which can chip away at your peace.

Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Remember that the Lord is gracious and kind, ready to forgive at any moment. And when you forgive others, it blesses you just as much as it blesses them.

Father God, thank You for forgiving me time and time again. Because of Your tender love and mercy, I choose to forgive as well. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.

Photo credit: ©GettyImages/eclipse_images

You don’t have to be a runner to experience the benefits of endorphins being released in your body. Gentle exercises also release “feel-good” hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine, which help reduce stress and improve your mood.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Almost any form of exercise or movement can increase your fitness level while decreasing your stress. The most important thing is to pick an activity that you enjoy.”

Find an activity you’ll stick with, whether it be walking with a neighbor, doing Pilates during your favorite TV show, or implementing a few stretches before bed. Release stress through movement and feel calmer over the Christmas season.

Lord, as I exercise my body, help me feel the calming benefits. I know that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and I want to take good care of the body You’ve given me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Along with moving your body, getting proper nourishment and hydration is essential to staying calm through Christmas. With all the sweet treats lying around, we’re tempted to numb our emotions with copious amounts of sugar. However, this only exacerbates stress by putting our bodies on a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows.

Stock your fridge and pantry with healthy snacks you can grab on the run. Consider buying a few specialty items you don’t normally purchase, so it feels like a treat.

Here’s a quick list of options:

Mixed nuts

Quality protein bars

Low-sugar yogurt

Popcorn (with olive oil and sea salt)

Chopped veggies

Fruit

Hard-boiled eggs

Sliced chicken or turkey

Cottage cheese

Stay nourished this holiday season and experience better emotional regulation and energy.

Lord God, thank You for the abundance of food and clean water You provide. Help me make the best choices to keep my body nourished and healthy this Christmas. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Do you really have to attend ALL the holiday events? Consider setting good boundaries by determining what is non-negotiable and declining the rest.

A big part of enjoying Christmas is carving out time to sit quietly and think about all you’re grateful for. So, don’t be afraid to say “no” to the holiday gatherings that are more stress than fun. Maintain peace in your home by creating a haven-like environment where all can gather without an agenda.

Holy God, help me set good boundaries this Christmas. I don’t want to lose sight of You or miss out on quiet family moments. Give me wisdom to know when to say “yes” and when to say “no.” In Jesus’ name, amen.

One of the reasons we hesitate to serve others is because it calls us out of our comfort zones. This isn’t a bad thing, but serving from our giftedness can be much more meaningful and less stressful.

This Christmas, utilize your God-given gifts to help someone in a meaningful way. Here are a few ideas:

• Make a cherished family recipe and take a plate to an elderly neighbor.
• Visit a local shelter and hand out socks, hats, and gloves.
• Write a Gospel-centered email and send it to your loved ones.

Step into your talents with joy this Christmas, and let acts of service become a calming way to love and serve others.

Gracious God, please give me a heart to serve others as a way of making Christmas more meaningful. Let the joy on their face be my reward. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Do your family traditions feel pressuring to you? Do you feel obligated to do things you’ve always done, even though they aren’t enjoyable anymore? Consider starting a new, peaceful tradition this year:

-End each day with family worship.

-Read the nativity story from different versions of the Bible.

-Do crafts around the table after dinner.

-Create a hot cocoa bar for cozy evenings around the fire.

Have a family meeting to discuss which traditions to keep and which ones to let go. Create memories that will be long remembered, cherished, and valued.

Lord, I want my family to remember Christmas as a joyful season, not a stressful one. Help us embrace meaningful traditions that can be passed on for many generations to come. In Jesus’ name, amen.

One of the reasons we feel stressed out at Christmas is because we’re pressured to start the New Year with big goals. Everyone around us is gearing up to lose weight, start that side hustle, save money, and step into the New Year at full speed.

But why not make a simple, yet powerful resolution to grow closer to God?

-Lean into your Bible reading time.

-Rearrange your space to include a prayer room or prayer closet.

-Commit Scripture to memory.

-Join a new study group.

Greater intimacy with Christ can actually help you achieve other goals. With the sole purpose of glorifying God in everything you do, your New Year will start with calm assurance that the Lord is your top priority.

Heavenly Father, I am choosing to step off the hurried treadmill of Christmas and enter into Your peaceful presence. My only resolution is to grow closer to You, honoring You above all else. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.

More Resources for Your Journey:

5 Ways to Keep Your Peace This Holiday Season

How to Find God's Peace When You're Already Anxious about the Holidays

5 Tips for PEACE-Full Christmas