Since I’m all for making the most of every day, and I’m also aware of how hard doing that can sometimes be, I figured a few extra tips couldn’t hurt anything. So here are a few ideas to help you make the most of your holidays.
10. Change something. Every year it’s the same thing—running around from party to party, decorating the tree, windows, front lawn, and the hood of your car, shopping like you actually have all that money to spend, and jamming up your DVR with holiday movies. I’m tired just listing it. Instead of continuing the cycle, stop it. Change something. Maybe go to one less party this year or try a new gift exchange idea, but do something differently because doing the same thing over and over won’t bring about anything new.
9. Smile. This one’s really good for all year round, but it’s especially helpful during the holidays to tell your face that, no matter what, you have a joy nothing can take away. (Note: If you do not have the kind of joy that decorates your lips and heart, see #5.)
8. Go easy on the Christmas tunes. Don’t feel bad about changing the channel when you’ve grown tired of yet another rendition of Let it Snow. It is perfectly fine to listen to whatever it is you normally listen to and forego the endless barrage of carols and holiday fare.
7. Get your white chocolate covered double stuffs. They won’t be around forever, and they really do help.
6. Wish someone a Merry Christmas. Several times this year, I’ve had someone ask me if it’s okay to wish a stranger Merry Christmas. These folks are trying not to be offensive. That’s really thoughtful (and politically correct), but if someone’s going to be offended by a wish for merriment on a day that celebrates the birth of the world’s savior, then they probably need to be reminded 
that there is a Christmas.
5. Get to know Jesus. He is who he said he was. He lived. He died, and he rose from the dead, and in him lies the hope for all mankind. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Someone recently asked me why there has to be just one way to get to heaven. Why do people think there must be several ways to get there? One God. One Son. One hope for us all because when you get right down to it, there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. How unifying is that!(Galatians 3:28 NIV)
4. Drink less alcohol. It’s a depressant. It does nothing to improve your life.
3. Dance more. Just a twirl here, a moon walk there. You will see. Dancing gets the blood pumping in a very happy way.
2. Help someone else. I know it doesn’t seem like it will help, but 9 times out of 10 helping someone else can actually fill up your own cup. And even if it doesn’t, at least someone else’s cup gets helped. Making the most of the holidays, and life for that matter, really should involve more than just the little world of “Me,” so get outside of yourself for a bit, and do something for someone else. Not everyone finds the holiday season filled with cheer and sparkles, and we can help one another with that, even if we happen to be one of those people.
1. Have HOPE. Believe. I know, that’s easier said than done, especially if you’re feeling low, but give it a try anyway. I think we often overlook or underestimate the power of HOPE. Believing life can get better is a powerful truth to hold on to and can open up this season in ways that just might surprise you.
The season of Advent abides in the hope of help coming.
Sometimes I think we miss the point by focusing on the birth of Jesus only. We are smack in the middle of another advent, and this season will bring about an entirely new way of life. God has a plan for which we are watching and waiting.
And I believe he has a plan for you as well, so have hope, sweet friend, you are destined for so much more than where you are right now.
Merry Christmas, Mary Beth. Another great post, as always. It’s the perfect season to count our blessings, and share.
Merry Christmas Fred! Thank you so much for your encouragement. It means more than you probably realize! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!