5 Tips For Holding On To Your Peace This Holiday (and a holiday giveaway worth $70!)

I grew up loving the Grinch movie, but it wasn’t the Grinch himself I loved or that it was a cute cartoon to watch. Instead, it’s the moral of the story that I loved so much  —

Christmas most definitely doesn’t come from a store.

Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.

But even knowing that, sometimes the stress of all the shopping and busyness, in addition to trying to afford all the Christmas presents we want to buy for those we love, can steal our Christmas peace and shift our focus to worldly things and expectations that really are not all that important. I can certainly relate to doing that, and maybe you can too.

In my Proverbs 31 Encouragement for Today devotion today, called When You Can’t Afford Christmas, I shared how well I’ve learned this important truth that the Grinch learned in the cartoon.  Due to now being a single mom and the sole provider of our family, my gift buying will pale in comparison to years past. But me and my children know this is not what’s most important and Christmas will still be wonderful. In fact, when I talked to them about this a few months ago, as I shared in today’s devotion,  they each sweetly expressed they didn’t really “need” anything anyway. Be still my heart.

There is such peace when we come to truly understand that nothing under a Christmas tree is more meaningful than the people standing around that tree together.

Lots of things will threaten to steal our peace during the holidays but Jesus is always here offering the gift of His peace. We just have to choose to open that gift and keep our focus.

Today as promised in my P31 devotion, I’m sharing a few tips on how to maintain your peace during the holidays, because after all, when Jesus was born the angels proclaimed, “”Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men…!” And that proclamation was meant for you and me.

Practice being budget friendly. It’s so tempting to overspend on gifts during the holidays. I confess I used to do that myself. But when you can’t really afford it, it’s best not to do it. If your budget is thin this year, consider Googling happenings in your city where you can enjoy living out life with those you love – unwrap experiences rather than presents. Visit outdoor markets, lights displays, and free local holiday events. Volunteer at a local charity together. Build a fire and cook s’mores while talking about memorable things from the past year. Make some homemade crafts together and decorate the house with them. Simply put, make memories, because memories are rarely forgotten but tangible gifts are.

Practice gratitude.  Thanksgiving is not the only time we should practice being grateful. Rather than focus on what you don’t have, what you can’t buy your children, family or friends this year, or what situations aren’t as you wish they were, focus on intentionally being grateful for all the things you do have — the intangible blessings you can provide your children, and the memories you can make to hold dear even in the midst of difficult situations. Intentionally think positive, and those negative peace-stealing thoughts will become less and less.

Practice breathing. Sometimes we get so stressed out with our long list of to-do’s, we forget to really pause and breathe and not only remember the real reason for the season, but enjoy it. No matter how many things you have left to do, make time to sit down and relax and breathe. If something doesn’t get done – it. is. okay.

Practice patience. Long lines at the store, traffic, bored kids at home, sibling rivalry, family gatherings and not enough money in the checking account can all test our patience during the holidays. When we lose our patience, we lose our cool, and in turn, lose our peace. Start thinking about ways you can react differently than you have in the past to situations (or people) which you know tend to steal your peace during the holidays.

Practice closeness. The holidays are a time to draw near to family and friends, and also to God.  Don’t let yourself be too busy, too stressed or too impatient to appreciate the treasured people God has put in your life.  And don’t let the busyness of the season and the world’s view of what Christmas is about pull you away from spending time with God and remembering the priceless gift of the birth of His Son.  Rather than pulling away when you’re at wits end, pull in closer. Let family, friends and faith fill your heart with peace.

Today I’m giving away a fun holiday gift pack worth $70.00 which includes

ALL 3 OF MY BOOKS & ACCOMPANYING STUDY GUIDES!

To enter to win: 

1. Leave a comment sharing which of the 5 tips you are going to practice this week,

2. Then share this post by clicking on one or more of the share buttons below.

Winner to be announced next week!

_____________________________________

Want to give someone the gift of encouragement and hope this Christmas? Consider purchasing a 3-book gift! Click on the book covers to be taken to the purchase page. Visit my store to purchase all the accompanying downloadable study guides.  

 

 

124 Comments

  1. Mandi on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 6:12 am

    We are experiencing a tighter budget than usual for Christmas this year as well due to unforeseen medical expenses. My kids have been helping to make some homemade goodies to give to their teachers and bus drivers to save the money I would have spent on gift cards. We get some sweet quality time also while making the treats so it’s a gift to me as well…making a memory. God bless you and your family Tracie. And I wish you a peaceful, joy-filled Christmas.



  2. Karen Pope on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 6:16 am

    I will be more intentional with gratitude today. Due to a sudden job loss this past summer, we are living on much less than before. The reality of our situation is more difficult at this time of year. I am trying to pay attention to what God is teaching me through this life challenge. Thank you for this wonderful reminder today to keep my eyes on Him.



  3. Cathy on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 6:18 am

    Tracey…your suggestions are a great way for everyone to take back Christmas and every other day, gratitude, breathe, patience, and closeness with those who are important to you are 4 things I want to focus on this week and already have an unexpected guest coming into town. I can’t wait to hug her and let her feel she Not so aloneness share and hear stories of this past month, her husbands passing and her hopes for the future. The budget is blown but, that doesn’t mean I can’t start using the envelope method of budgeting for anything else this season. Thanks for sharing and encouraging us all!



  4. Cindi Blazina on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 6:21 am

    I’m going to practice breathing. We usually don’t go overboard at Christmas anyway bc we have seen our son play with something for a minute (that we thought was going to be the greatest gift of all) and then puts it aside and doesn’t touch it for months after. We tend to buy a couple really awesome things that we know he will enjoy and a couple things from Santa even in years when things aren’t so tight.



  5. April on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 6:33 am

    Patience (and closeness)… We are heading to my parents house for 10 days and God is asking me to be a light to my parents and brother and sister and their families.



  6. Faith on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 6:52 am

    I’m going to practice closeness.. I will spend Christmas Day drawing close to God. Have had little time off this holiday season and can’t wait for the opportunity to be home and spend the day focusing on the gift of Jesus.



  7. Amy on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 6:52 am

    Closeness – with so many things to attend and so many people to see and remember with gifts, I don’t stop and focus on the people around me. I need to remember to give the gift of my presence – full on attention, instead of being like Martha and being distracted by the lesser things.



  8. Deborah on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 7:10 am

    Tracie, today I will practice patience! This is the last 3 days before Christmas break with finals on Tuesday and Wednesday. I know the pressure and stress of completing a semester will be looming over me as I evaluate how much knowledge I was able to impart to my students. I just pray that I have had a positive example of Christian living on each and every student so far this year.



  9. Jessie W on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 7:10 am

    Family relationships



  10. Ana I Mendez on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 7:13 am

    I will practice staying close and treasuring family togetherness especially as my oldest moved out of state after college to start his career. He’s going to be here for Christmas, so I’ll have all my kids home. I pray for family peace and love, as our dynamics haven’t been yielding these qualities. Lord Jesus reach hearts I pray.



  11. Sharron Townsend on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 7:15 am

    I love to bake!! I make cookies and fudge and get an inexpensive container filled with goodies to give. Love all your ideas. I wrote them down so I don’t forget them.



  12. Lynn Walker on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 7:16 am

    Thank you so much for this. I know God sent this to me a just this time. Due to retirement and medical expenses our budget has dramatically changed. It has been a struggle and sad to say sometimes a battle with my husband about what I’m going to spend for gifts. Your message has given me peace and hope, you’ve offered wonderful replacements. I want to focus more on being budget friendly and breathing. My family, like your children, have the same response, it is myself that I have to give permission. Thank you again for writing the words the Father gave you. Blessings and Merry Christmas to you and yours



  13. Arlene Brown on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 7:17 am

    I will practice breathing. I have a laundry list of things to do and can’t seem to focus long enough to get them done. 2017 has been a very stressful year financially and at work. I get so caught up in doing things outside of God’s will that I feel like I’m suffocating.



  14. Megan on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 7:18 am

    This year I am working really hard to practice closeness to God during the holiday season. It’s so easy for me to let busyness and gifts, etc get in the way of that. I am committing to being in the Word every day (trying hard to make it first thing in the morning) through the holidays! I am also working on creating new traditions with my young family that teach about Jesus’ birth and purpose on earth. We are doing an advent activity each day that helps us learn things about who Jesus is, we have been doing nativity readings and acting them out with our nativity set, reading lots of books, and we are going to throw Jesus a birthday party.



  15. Kim on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 7:18 am

    Tracie, thank you!! How did you know what I was feeling? This has made me think of my childhood and what I remember. It was not about the store bought gifts but of the moments spent with friends and family. Thank you again!



  16. Pam on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 7:22 am

    I’m going to practice gratitude. This year has been difficult and I have moved away from all family. I miss them especially this time of year. However I am thankful for all the years we spent holidays together. I need to focus on gratitude and keep my eyes on Jesus.



  17. Liz on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 7:28 am

    I will practice breathing…I get too uptight and stressed…too much last minute “stuff” as a result of poor planning…and not a creative person.



  18. Denise on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 7:33 am

    This is such an excellent message for myself and many woman this time of year! Thank you for your encouragement and the reminder of how we need to let go of the stress and remember God’s gifts! I will breathe and rest in God’s Word this morning.



  19. Elsie on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 7:36 am

    Thanks for this devotion. Practice closeness. I am reading the 10 day Christmas of Hope devotions from Our Daily Bread – I have written a Christmas verse list for 2017 and I am choosing at least one of these verses to write in my Christmas cards. I also read the book Mary by Francine Rivers which helps to visualize more what did take place and what could have happened.Also going to lessons and carols and the children’s Christmas program at our church. We will be spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with our family. Merry Christmas



  20. Susan on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 7:54 am

    At onset of holiday prep, I was determined to keep (His) joy and (His) peace. I smile at everyone as I run my errands!
    You are so right! It’s who is around the Christmas tree that matters; not what’s under it.
    Let’s not pass over noticing all of the blessings He gives us every day
    in the “hustle bustle” of the season!



  21. Terri on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 7:58 am

    Thankfulness is going to be in my thoughts this Christmas. My parents have always been the gathering place for our family in years past. My father passed away last month after 63 years of marriage and it is going to be a hard Christmas for all of us. I am so thankful for the memories and examples he has left us. Thankful that he showed his family the true meaning of Christmas AND Life. His example of a man walking with Christ, giving unselfishly and loving others is a gift I will always cherish. Thank you Dad



  22. Felicia on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 7:58 am

    I will practice Gratitude. Thank you.



  23. Alyssa on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 8:03 am

    Gratitude. I’ve been so focused on the things that have been ripped away from me this year and have been frustrated. I need to shift that focus on what I no longer have to what I do still have-a loving husband and four beautiful children. Thank you for your encouraging words today!



  24. Nicole SH on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 8:05 am

    Am feeling financially stressed (and time stressed too) this year as well due to unexpected important medical and professional expenses. Am so trying to be more mindful of my spending and tune into God’s direction though not always so successfully every time. I’ve also been feeling a greater need to trust God in all things, which I can remind myself of in reviewing God’s blessings for me. This helps also when I start feeling anxious in the moment, in that I then try to focus on God’s beauty in all things.



  25. Twyla on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 8:12 am

    Our family tradition is to see Christmas lights, particularly one house that sets the lights to music. We have done this for years and it is something our kids remember and ask to do every year. We have gone with other family members and friends that have now passed away. The time spent with them is priceless. I remember these times and not the gifts I received or gave that year.



  26. Carolyn williams on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 8:12 am

    I need to remember to practice breathing! It seems like I’m more focused on trying to get things done on time and go here and go there but if I’ll practice breathing I will be able to see what is really important and that life is precious and a gift from God and that’s what I need to truly focus on!
    Thanks So much!!



  27. Marlene on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 8:18 am

    Finding local activities to do as a family is a wonderful idea….blessings to you!!!



  28. Deby on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 8:22 am

    Thank you so much for sharing this timely devotion. Yesterday I really gave into my sadness of not having a lot of money to spend for Christmas. I even began to blame myself! Your devotion reminded me that I am not alone when it comes to not having enough money to spend. I plan to find inexpensive or free events that my daughter and I can attend this season.



  29. Helen on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 8:25 am

    1 am going to practice being budget friendly this week. I hope to accomplish the other suggestions as well. Thank you for sharing these thoughts. May we each have a blessed Christmas season and truly worship Christ.



  30. Mary M on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 8:33 am

    Thank You for this post as I to a single parent and in addition was laid off this past May. The budget is tight and my focus has been gratitude and budget friendly. I am especially grateful that my family has been a tremendous support system. They agreed to do a family grab bag where my siblings, nieces, nephews, mom and my son pulled a name to buy one gift. This reduced my budget drastically. I know that God is preparing a new position for me and I trust that he will provide for my every need. While decorating my home it warmed my heart as I touched and setup my nativities as a reminder of what this season really mean. Blessings to all.



  31. Christina on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 8:46 am

    This week I am going to work on patience. I am so glad you wrote this today. As I was reading it, I was reflecting on the past couple of weeks and realized my patience with my children was way too thin. I am also thinking of ways to make it a more memorable holiday without all the need for a lot of gifts. My husband and I sat down this year and wrote a list of what we were buying for Christmas for each family member. This is the first year we are not scrambling and it did not break the budget either. Less stress!



  32. Rosemarie Gibson on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 8:59 am

    Thank you for your blog…today was written just for me. As a 66 year old grandmother I feel a DREAD at times for Christmas celebration…grandchildren grown and busy, too much commercialization. Help me to find peace in His word.



  33. Pat on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 9:02 am

    I too have struggled with financial woes at Christmas, while surrounded by more affluent family members, only to grow closer to Christ and more fully appreciate the true celebration. When we can finally reach the point where we truly believe Jesus is enough and are reflecting that belief daily, there will be no need for these feelings of financial inadequacies or any shortcomings. I pray He will be our focus each day and thank Him that He is continually pursuing all of humanity.❤️



  34. amie on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 9:15 am

    So many conversations lately relate to this blog post. Practice closeness, as i’ve realized myself it’s the closeness to God, Family and Friends that leave lasting memories.



  35. Kelly Blackwell on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 9:22 am

    As a former single mom for 12 years, I had many years where the focus was definitely more on taking care of the needs rather than the wants. This year I am practicing patience with a kindness edge. i am making a point of doing at least one kind thing each day. Some days are definitely fuller than others, but if it is simply writing a message of appreciation for an employee at the grocery store, I am making sure to squeeze in some thanks. When traffic gets us as it inevitably will this season, my son and I make a point of praying for the people in the car in front of us. It definitely redirects us. We also were blessed to be bell ringers this year for the Salvation Army. It was awesome getting a chance to volunteer and give back in a way we hadn’t before. There were a few Christmases when my son’s only new toy came from the Salvation Army and the rest from their thrift stores.



    • Rachel on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 9:29 am

      Thank you. As my husband and I are alone this year, I want to practice Gratitude! During the holidays, I find myself struggling with disappointment rather than focusing on blessing! May the Peace of God guard our hearts and fill us with Thanksgiving.



  36. Agnes on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 9:36 am

    Closeness with family is what i want to have this Christmas. Not too busy that I mis out on the hoy with family.



  37. Tammy on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 9:42 am

    Due to a physical condition I have not had an income in over a year. We have Mark’s social security, but it doesn’t go far. We bought small gifts for the grandkids, but will forgo the gifts to each other. We usually get necessities any way like sweats and socks, but this year we are waiting to see if I’m blessed with my disability claim before we get anything for each other. The time with family, especially the kids is what’s important. That and praising God for all he has already provided through this year with little income. God is good….let’s celebrate His son’s birth with praise and gratefulness.



  38. Rachel on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 9:42 am

    I loved your devo through Proverbs 31 this morning. I’m already working on being budget friendly this year and I’ve forwarded the devo to my mom. She feels guilty that the past two years she hasn’t been able to go all out for Christmas and we keep reminding her it’s really ok. Hopefully your devo will encourage her.
    I’m definitely going to be practicing thankfulness this week but also patience, in public and with family gatherings.
    Thank you for being willing to share your heart and your struggles. It means a lot.



  39. melinda wylie on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 9:48 am

    Not trying to sound like an over achiever but i will practice all 5. Its the week before Christmas and if i cant find a time to use all of them this week then I think i would really need to do a full assessment of my life !! Patience,Closeness,Breathing, Gratitude and Budgeting…….What a better would we would live in if everyone would use them! Thank you for reminding us…



  40. Laura on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 9:50 am

    I will be practicing breathing and not let the stresses of everyday life get the best of me. God bless!



  41. Barbara Addison on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 9:50 am

    Tracie,

    I will try to practice thankfulness this year, I came accross this article when I was sending an email and it ministered to me particurlaly the part about thankfulness.

    My children are all grown with three of them living with me due to going to school and my health. Our circumstances do not allow for gift giving and no one is wanting to put up decorations. I love my children dearly and pray for them daily, you see, none of them know Christ as their Savior so their focus is earthly. Also, they have worked retail in the past so their perspective of Christmas is very cynical. The Christmas holiday for them is not viewed as a spiritual event rather, just another way to take your money. We all live in the same house but it is more like living in three apartment since we all operate on different schedules. Our relationships are a little strained and therefore, there has been little dicussion about what to do about Christmas day. When my children were younger Christ was a part of our Christmas we used a moving manger scene and a Jesse tree as ways to illustrate Christ in Christmas. So I know the truth is in them and I will count on God to use it. The world is an ugly place and it can take your precious little ones and turn them inside out when they grow to be adults. So we need to be prayerful in our lives to not allow the evil one to sneak in and destroy what matters the most to us, our intimite relationship with God.

    I will focus on what Christ has done for me and how my spirit in the midst of difficulties will be at peace. One thought that brings me comfort is that God has already seen me through this and He knows the outcome. So in my attitude of thankfulness I will wait upon the Lord and count my blessings



  42. Debbie Wilson on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 9:54 am

    I loved this morning’s devotion. I get so stressed during this season trying to get done everything that I think I have to do. I am going to practice breathing, allowing myself to let things go. My house isn’t going to be spotless, decorations aren’t going to be perfect, but it’s going to be okay! Nobody cares but me anyway!! Thank you for your encouraging words and Merry Christmas.
    .



  43. Kari on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 9:55 am

    This was exactly what I needed to hear this morning and reminds me greatly God’s mercies are never ceasing. All of these practices are wonderful and I would choose Closeness for this week and honestly every day. Jesus equals Peace!! Thank you for sharing your insight and love for the Lord!



  44. De on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 10:05 am

    Our family just received a big dose of reality. Our daughter just lost her first child. We are heart broken but know God has a perfect plan and He is our Rock. I’m going to try to practice breathing this Christmas season.



  45. Cheryl on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 10:07 am

    We actually have more money than we’ve had in the past, but I still find myself stressed with the busyness of the season. I want to practice the gift of closeness this year-not taking for granted the ones we love. I have heard of so many who have lost loved ones this year & even just in the past few weeks. It saddens my heart & I don’t want to take for granted those whom I hold dear, this time of year or ever. These precious people are a gift to me this Christmas.



  46. Anne on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 10:12 am

    At my stage of life, (turned 80 last month), I find the Christmas season a challenge as I am widowed. I find some of my greatest satisfaction when in various stores. Along with the necessary shopping, it is my mission to see how many people I can make smile just by giving them a smile ! Also, I sometimes will compliment a person —- to try to brighten their day. I hope they see Christian Love in my eyes. Most seem to enjoy ‘this contact with another person in our sometimes very impersonal world !!



  47. Geralyn Miller on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 10:16 am

    I will practice ALL of those these helpful hints, but especially the one about coming close…drawing near to God in wonder & amazement of what He has given us! Emmanuel!! God With us!!! My Mama came up with the idea of giving a little piece of ourselves to each other this Christmas instead of giving gifts like we usually do. My Mama has asked that each of her children & grandchildren sing a song, recite a poem, tell a story or do a demonstration about how to do something interesting, or whatever they choose to do. My step-dad just passed away a couple of weeks ago. He had hip replacement & was in physical therapy rehabilitation. My daughters and I went to visit him the Saturday after Thanksgiving and we found him with fever, dehydrated and thirsty but unable to even suck out of a straw. He had suddenly become deathly I’ll and apparently none of the staff were aware he was in that condition. He didn’t even have an IV. ANYWAY, we made them aware of it and they finally started paying attention. The whole thing was so unexpected. They found he had leukemia & his spine and other places were literally eaten away by cancer. He did not live long after that. Also, last year my Mama lost her only brother right before Christmas and I am doing WAY better than I was @ this time last year. Had a life-threatening infection in my hip and had emergency surgery. Didn’t even get to eat Mama’s Christmas Dinner so I plan on making up for it this year. Praying to gain weight and keep it on. At 92.3 it’s too hard to be strong, do physical therapy and build muscle.
    Need to get some more meat on my bones! My parents used to tell me, “If you don’t eat so-&-so, you will DRY up and blow away.” I must not have done it because I am drying up and about to blow away. A strong gust of wind will blow me over if I ain’t careful. Thank you for this opportunity to share. I am so grateful for ALL God has done for me. He is an awesome God and His Great Love for us is the greatest gift of all. Let us all freely receive His Gift in our hearts that we may share Jesus with each other! Emmanuel!!!



  48. Cecele D on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 10:20 am

    These are all really good suggestions and ones I need to incorporate. Each year I feel less and less in the spirit because I have allowed the whole commercialization of the season dictate how I should feel. So this year I have been trying to practice breathing and staying on budget since I too am a single mother.



  49. Barbara Hardy on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 10:22 am

    Plan on using all of them. I always set a limit to spend and stick to it. My husband is facing some health issues so we doing more with family and people who we love. I just let God handle the stress so I can enjoy making memories. It is the Saviour’s birthday and want to focus on that. Will be sharing our blessings with others by visiting and taking gifts made with love.

    Thank you.
    Barbara in Virginia



  50. Meyana Dummer on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 10:30 am

    I am going to practice being budget friendly this year, as well as focusing on gratitude and appreciating all the things in life the Lord has created just for us.



  51. Maya on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 10:49 am

    This week I will practice gratitude, breathing, and closeness!

    I’d love to win your three books & accompanying study guides!!



  52. Megan L. on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 10:49 am

    I’m going to practice breathing. I get so focused on doing that I forget to just stop and enjoy sometimes. I’m learning, slowly, that its okay to not have everything perfect and that I don’t have to try and fix everything for everyone. Thanks for this devotional.



  53. Dianna Deskin on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 10:52 am

    I’m going to remember to breathe. I often find myself almost holding my breathe because I’m so stressed. I need to remember to let it go and let God be in charge.



  54. Julie Woodman on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 11:05 am

    We ate also experiencing a tight budget this year, so I will need to practice all of the above. The tight budget means I need to work harder on gratitude, patience, closeness and breathing. Thank you for the tips and for reminding me that I am not the only one struggling. Merry Christmas and God Bless you and your family.



  55. Kirsten on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 11:07 am

    I’m going to practice patience. This is the first year that I will be home with my kids throughout Christmas break (in the past they have gone to daycare.) I want to remember to enjoy this time and not prioritize my own to-do list. You mentioned “bored kids at home” and that is exactly right. I want to be patient with them and spend fun times with them together, not get frustrated because I can’t accomplish whatever tasks I think I should accomplish. Thank you for this post!



  56. Jean A on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 11:08 am

    Thank you Tracie, for reminding us what Christmas is all about. I will be practice breathing and patience this week. This is the first year I am working as a merchandiser for a greeting card company and the holidays are very busy. Besides my normal work, there are extra seasonal hours we are expected to do. It is very stressful trying to get my work done and please everyone else at the same time. Since this is my first year, they don’t understand or comprehend the amount of work involved. I know as Christmas gets closer and more is expected of me at home, I will need a lot more patience and will be doing a lot of breathing exercises to calm my nerves. With God’s help I will survive.



  57. Patricia Jaracz on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 11:17 am

    I’m practicing breathing and patience! Patience with the careless drivers in parking lots and on the road.



  58. Karen on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 11:17 am

    I think the Lord gave just me your post this morning. I shopped all day Saturday and just have no more money but other family to buy for. It made me feel like i don’t enjoy Christmas because it seems it is all about the gifts. I found myself, lieing, and cursing and saying mean things- which are areas I work so hard at never doing the rest of the year. As I asked God for forgiveness, I found I was not being earnest because I knew the next week would be filled with more. When Iread your post it eased my heart. I am enough just the way God made me. I need to remember a larger picture, why I really love Christmas outside of the gifts and how grateful that Jesus and I have a special relationship. I love the song “Mary did you know”. I can visualize holding baby Jesus knowing what he would bring to the world. So thank you and Merry Christmas.



  59. Becky Foutz on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 11:25 am

    This week I am going to practice gratitude for all the goodness God has poured into my life.



  60. Amber on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 11:30 am

    I loved every single one and needed to read this today. If I had to pick one the one I’m going to choose is patience. I need to remember that not everything is going to go the way I planned. My children are not always going to get along, that my favorite ornament is going to get broken, that the cookies can wait. Thanks for this post today it was much needed.



  61. MicroGal on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 11:45 am

    I am going to practice being budget friendly – I stayed within my budget for Christmas (making gifts for family and friends) and buying only a few small gifts for my 3 children. We made coffee filter snowflakes for the house and are baking cookies this week. We’ll make other yummy treats and watch movies rented from the local library, as well as taking a night time “flashlight walk” to see the stars and nearby houses all decorated for Christmas. 🙂



  62. Kristen on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 12:06 pm

    Honestly, I’m going to try and practice all 5 this week. We’re o on w super tight budget this month, and your devotional hit me hard this morning. Closeness is the one that seems to be resonating in me, but honestly, all of them are talking to me!



  63. Ali on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 12:16 pm

    I need to work on all those tips. But the one I really want to work on is Gratitude.



  64. Ali on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 12:17 pm

    I need to work on having more patience with my kids and I have been trying to be more intentional with being thankful for all things.



  65. nancys1128 on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 12:20 pm

    I am going to practice breathing, which will in turn make me practice patience. By taking a few long, deep breaths when my agitation with an unplanned/unwelcome situation starts to rise, I can keep myself from reacting and instead respond to what is happening.



  66. Kathy on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 12:23 pm

    My goal this Christmas is to practice thankfulness and closeness….as stated “nothing under the Christmas tree is more meaningful than the people standing around the Christmas tree together”.
    Merry Christmas to you and yours!



  67. Dawn Heasley on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 12:40 pm

    All 5 are good to remember thank you for the reminder but I would have to say the biggest one I need to learn to do is “ that it is OK if something doesn’t get done”.

    Thank you for your love for God and for sharing your heart with so many of us.



  68. Cathy Lease on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 12:56 pm

    Practice budget friendly! S’mores are on the New Years Eve celebration list!



  69. Holly on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 2:01 pm

    I will definitely be practicing breathing and gratitude. Need to be thankful for I can do instead of wanting to do more for myself physically and able to do more for my loved ones. Especially need to be thankful for the One who makes it all possible no matter what my current circumstances.



  70. Kim on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 2:02 pm

    Tracie-Everything you said was so true and really made me think what and who is really important at this time of the year. What is the reason for the season-JESUS. I am going to work on closeness with my family and enjoy celebrating Jesus at this time of the year.



  71. Beverly Wright on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 2:09 pm

    I am going to work on practicing gratitude. This has been one of the hardest months this year. We are trying to focus on being grateful for all things and not getting caught up in what we can’t control.



  72. Sally on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 2:22 pm

    I’m going to work on breathing in the mist of my last minute change of schedule/plans. I’ve learned the past few months to concentrate only on the must tasks of that particular day. Otherwise, I’m overwhelmed. Gratitude is a close second for me to practice this week. Be thankful for all things. Thank you so much!



  73. Tracie on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 2:24 pm

    I am going to practise breathing! I am.always on the go either with work to do.or studying or doing bits for my parents and don’t stop until I’ve worn myself out.



  74. Ann on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 2:25 pm

    Thank you, I need to work on more than one but I think mostly right now is breathing!!



  75. Darlene on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 2:28 pm

    I’m working on closeness. Trying to get my siblings together for Christmas. Blessings. Probably won’t hurt to work in all of them.



  76. Jane on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 2:35 pm

    Practicing closeness to friends who like myself find themselves alone.



  77. Carolyn Allen on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 2:43 pm

    I want to work on patience as my husband is not physically well and needs lots of 23rd done for Him and I need to practice patience hourly with him but sometimes I lose or feel out upon and that it is not right!! I need patience and even more closeness with God to work on these areas!



  78. Jennifer on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 2:48 pm

    I will be practicing being budget friendly as I try to make some gifts this year. We are tight on money and I think people appreciate things we make them. Thank you for this great devotional.



  79. Deb H. on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 2:50 pm

    I definitely will work on the PATIENCE!!! I need that one every day!



  80. Monica A. on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 2:56 pm

    I need to practice breathing which is hard with 3 boys. lol



  81. Sammie on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 3:07 pm

    I am going to practice patience this week. The older I get, the more I realize I am NOT in a race. I rarely need to get somewhere faster than normal. But I lose my patience when I am behind someone slow. I am going to take advantage of time used standing in line or in traffic to pray instead.



  82. Sabrina Adams on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    We have finished our Christmas shopping and this year we stayed on budget. This was a goal and thank God we accomplished it.



  83. joanna kearns on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 3:46 pm

    The one of the five I would choose to practice are practice PATIENCE easier said than done but definately a helpful thing to grow in especially in the world we live in now.



  84. matthew kearns on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 3:53 pm

    Practice being budget friendly our family has been suffering unjustly alot for years including hurricane irma please help us out



  85. Noelle on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 4:29 pm

    Going to practice closeness and by doing so it will allow me to do the others more natural. thanks for giving us a chance to win.shared. merry Christmas



  86. Courtney Parrish on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 4:29 pm

    I will more than likely be needing & trying to practice all 5 of them. However, I will probably be concentrating more on practicing patience & closeness.



  87. Esther Tuzicka on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 5:00 pm

    I will be practicing closeness with my husband and three kids.
    We have had a very long, rough year emotionally and financially. Due to unforeseen circumstances my husband lost his job and ended up at a job that doesn’t provide a Christmas bonus like we had been accustomed to in past years. When we told our kids that Christmas would be tight they responded with, “that’s not what Christmas is really about anyway.” I knew they had matured this year but this response still caught me a little off guard and truly hit my heart.
    We also lost a fourteen year old nephew in a tragic ATV accident and my father due to complications with cancer this year. These, among other tough situations this year have really helped my family to refocus on what and who is important in life.

    I’m praying that God’s grace will continue to bring us through and keep us focused on him.



  88. L on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 5:52 pm

    I paused to read your blog as I’m about to madly start zooming through the huge to do list before me. THANK YOU so much for the reality check!
    May God bless you and your family as you celebrate God’s best gift of Jesus☺
    L
    PS: thanks for all the effort to write so insightfully. Thinking your books look very worth reading…looking forward to getting into them



  89. Alexa on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 7:29 pm

    Gratitude! I’ve been trying to be more intention with this since Thanksgiving because I know I am blessed all year through not on just one holiday. This season also requires an extra helping of patience!



  90. Ani W on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 7:31 pm

    I’m going to practice breathing. That’s the one I have the most trouble with this time of year.



  91. Ani W on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 7:32 pm

    I shared on twitter @aniheartsjapan



  92. Martha T. on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 8:24 pm

    Each of your tips are so good that’s it’s hard to focus on just one. I like the ideas for staying within a budget especially going to free things to have fun experiences.



  93. Julie Jarvi on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 9:03 pm

    I am going to practice gratitude every day. I am very blessed to be able to share Christmas with my children & their families plus I still have my parents to share with also. We also have a tight budget this, so decided to buy gifts for the 4-youngest grandchildren & have the older ones draw from a hat some special things we can do with them. I also want my entire family to remember Jesus is the reason for the season. Gifts are nice, but remembering that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus who eventually saved us poor sinners through a painful death on the cross.



  94. Gina Fox on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 9:34 pm

    I will practice gratitude and breathing. This past wk has been stressful and I know what next week holds.



  95. Jodi Dooley on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 9:42 pm

    Oh my goodness… this could not have come at better time… cool how God does that huh? I am definetly needing to practice being budget friendly. I think we will spend the next week spending time together and doing some fun crafty things! Thanks!



  96. Shelley on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 9:44 pm

    Thank you, Tracie, for the verse and perspective. I love the Smores idea! I will practice closeness this Christmas! ????



  97. Diana Rockwell on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 9:57 pm

    I will practice gratitude as I have never practiced before. Losing my dad has put a new perspective on Christmas it was to be our first Christmas together and I didn’t even get Thanksgiving but God is good. I had him for 92 years. I am going to love on my grandchildren from a far this year. I am going to practice gratitude even if it kills me. Thank you so much for your support Tracie Miles.



  98. Michelle on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 9:57 pm

    I am definitely going to practice breathing. Things get so crazy and I want to pause and remember what the season is all about



  99. Lindsey Parker on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 10:24 pm

    Thanks for sharing this devotional thought. This year I want to practice gratitude and breathing. My family experienced loss this fall, so the holidays will feel like something is missing without my Papaw there. I may have a nicely decorated tree with a bunch of presents underneath, but I’m feeling a little Grinch-y myself because of some personal things I’ve gone through recently. I know that practicing gratitude and breathing will help me to be in the right frame of mind and remember the true meaning of Christmas.



  100. Robin Still on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 11:09 pm

    What a breath of fresh air to read your post today. We are on financial strain this year and have maxed out everything. Hard to make Christmas happen….but I do know that I will be practicing patience a bunch this week. Thank you for your wise words…may you and your sweet family have a blessed and merry Christmas!



  101. Olivia on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 11:28 pm

    I am going to practice breathing. I have been running around and doing various things for the past 18 hours for my family and others and I just had a chance to sit down. My mind is spinning thinking about all I have to do this week. I came to your post and it was perfect…I need to just take a moment and breathe! Thank you, I really needed this 🙂



  102. Jackie Moughler on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 12:15 am

    I’m going to practice ALL OF THEM!!!! I have me, the husband, son, daughter, pregnant again daughter and son in law, AND grandson living in our house. Want peace and joy for them all!!!!!



  103. Sharon +C on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 3:43 am

    I’m love your tips. I could app;y each one to my life but the one I’m going to choose is having patience. I’m really not choosing it but it’s choosing me. I really have no chose because things are so different this year. My husband and I are disabled seniors on a fixed income so there is no extra money to spend on things we’d like to get others. I have always loved sending Christmas cards but this year even the cost of that will be to much for our budget. My family won’t be together so I don’t have to plan anything. It breaks my heart that my family won’t be together where you can do all the specials things for each other. Fix the special foods that you have cooked for them for years. We just have to be patient and know that God is taking us into a new stage in our lives and move into that stage gracefully. I have to find a way to stop the hurt that things aren’t always the way you wish they were and be satisfied with the way they are. Merry Christmas to all. Thanks for having such a great giveaway.



  104. Pam on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 6:13 am

    Closeness is my goal. My step father, who has been like my father for many years is in end stage COPD. He does not know the Lord. Staying close to him and my mom during these difficult times seems to be the best way to show him Jesus.



  105. Tiffany B on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 6:44 am

    I most need the breathe step! There’s just such a long list (not even holiday related), & it’s stressful trying to catch up. I need to find a way to change that all the time.

    I so agree with less gifts! I finally got much of the family to see that after years of asking them to stop with the shopping & just get together. (Unfortunately, I still have obligatory work gifts to do.) Decreasing gifts helps with the budget & time.



  106. Patty Schultz on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 10:14 am

    I’m going to try and practice the Breathe step.. I am very overwhelmed right now. My mom is dying of stage 5 kidney failure, Christmas is here, My daughter’s birthday and wedding coming up.. just feel like I need Unsinkable faith to get through this all. Thanks for a giveaway to brighten someone’s day. ♥



  107. Carol on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 10:15 am

    Thank you for all of these reminders. I have definitely spent way to much money this year! Something I said I was not going to do so now to figure out how to pay for it all. I only have myself to blame. I am going to do better next year and not spend as much. Thank you for reminding us to breathe. I am trying to do better. I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and thank you for encouraging us thru the year.



  108. Beth Ann Roberts on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 1:22 pm

    After 28 years of serving in Guinea with SIM I will be moving to a state-side assignment. I had many plans of how I wanted this last Christmas to be and instead end up in the hospital for 5 days with a severe infection in my leg that I have had a total knee replacement. I am still having to rest with my leg up so many of those plans will not happen. I am practicing breathing and practicing patience. I am enjoying my lights on my tree and Christmas music and a chance to celebrate Christ in a place where many to not know him.



  109. Lisa on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 1:40 pm

    Thank you Tracie for these excellent tips to maintain peace through Christmas. I will practice closeness with my aging parents with health issues. I will rephrase that…..I will practice “extra” closeness with them. Merry “Christ”mas !!!! ~Lisa~



  110. Shelley on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 2:14 pm

    I will practice gratitude. Very blessed, in spite off my husband battling cancer & my being in a bad car wreck. God is good & trustworthy



  111. Cynthia Link on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 2:40 pm

    Thank you for this opportunity Tracie. This year, I have been especially practicing closeness. Closeness to family, and closeness to God. He has blessed us greatly, and it is all by His doing and His provision. I want to be sure my kids understand that as they are very susceptible to the “busyness” of the world. I need to set that example , so I will but only with His strength.



  112. Debbie on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 3:57 pm

    I want to practice closeness… thank you for the reminder of what is really important during Christmas, time spent with the Lord and time spent with my loved ones!! (more than time spent doing Christmas shopping!). May this Christmas be about building memories and closeness.



  113. Crissy on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 4:26 pm

    Great blog and reminder of what Christmas is really about!
    We aren’t able to do gifts. It’s just me and my husband so what we will do is just make sure we practice closeness. I need to stay away from social media and my other hobbies, not just on Christmas, but throughout the year. I need to give him more of my time and my presence.
    Thank you for this post and this amazing giveaway!! But most of all for the reminder to practicing the things that matter.



  114. Missy on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 6:18 pm

    I’m going to work on patience. ????



  115. Rachelle Craig on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 7:23 pm

    What a beautiful blog post, Tracie! These are all great suggestions! I have already put the “budget friendly” into works this year, and will be adding gratitude and closeness. We have 5 grown kids and 7 grand-blessings, and Christmas is expensive!! I am one who goes overboard every year, and had a wake up call this year. I got new furniture and was taking the cushions off of my old sofa when we were moving it out. When I lifted the cushion I found a gift card from last year from our son to our granddaughter. She never missed it!!!!! It is a hard thing to do, but these kids just have so much nowadays, and they need to be focusing on Jesus, “the Reason for the Season.” I have alerted each one of our kids and they are all fine with it, and come to find out, most of them are cutting back themselves. My daughter has been doing the “Something to wear, something to read, something I want, and something I need” approach for a few years with her kids, and it is perfect! We want the grands to experience the peace of Christmas, focusing on Jesus, and to learn to cherish and be grateful just being with family and making memories!



  116. Jessica Orika on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at 2:27 am

    Very insightful. I’m going to practice gratitude…



  117. Beth Price-Almeida on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at 3:00 am

    I’m going to be practicing patience. That has never been a strong trait of mine, but I do want it to be! I have a 3 yo son and I don’t want him to grow up with a grumpy momma.



  118. Melissa Fenderson on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at 12:43 pm

    I plan to practice closeness. I’m a newly single mom too! I’m going to work on making memories and being Christ centered in our approach to Christmas. He is what matters most.



  119. Dawnielle Alden on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at 7:29 pm

    Practicing patience this year with others and myself. The Serenity prayer and God’s guidance



  120. Maria on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 11:46 am

    Practicing Closeness



  121. Lori on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 12:42 pm

    Practicing patience and gratitude. We have had some medical issues with our youngest and trying to get answers about the best course of action has been a bit trying, not to mention how the bills begin to add up. Haven’t even seen the ones from his recent 5 day stay at the hospital, which included a blood transfusion. We are very thankful to have found better doctors who answer our questions and really seem to care. He has been feeling better since coming home on Monday, plus he was finally able to go back to church after having to stay home the past month.



  122. Diane Fetter on Saturday, December 23, 2017 at 2:18 pm

    These were all great suggestions. Gratitude and drawing close to God, family and friends I will focus on.



  123. Charity Redfearn on Sunday, December 31, 2017 at 4:21 pm

    Patience. Lord knows I need to work harder on it.



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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.

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