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Christmas isn’t all joy and sparkles for everyone. For some of us, the season comes with a heaviness we just can’t shake. Maybe it’s grief over someone who’s not here this year, or life feels so overwhelming that all the holiday cheer just doesn’t land. If that’s where you are right now, I want you to know—it’s okay, and you’re not alone.

The truth is, Christmas can be complicated. And while it’s tempting to push through and pretend everything’s fine, that’s not what God asks of us. God meets us right in the middle of our struggles, no matter what they look like. In fact, the whole story of Christmas is about God stepping into our messy, imperfect world to be with us.

So, what do you do if Christmas feels more like a burden than a blessing this year? Here are a few thoughts:

Be Honest About How You’re Feeling: It’s okay to admit that you’re not feeling the Christmas spirit. Grief, sadness, and stress don’t make you weak; they make you human. Take time to acknowledge what’s weighing on your heart. Whether that’s journaling, praying, or talking to someone you trust, give yourself permission to feel what you feel.

Keep It Simple: If all the usual holiday traditions feel like too much this year, it’s okay to scale back. Maybe this is the year you skip the giant to-do list and focus on the things that actually bring you comfort or joy. Give yourself grace—it’s not about doing everything, it’s about finding meaning.

Carve Out Quiet Time: In the middle of all the busyness, make space to breathe. Light a candle, listen to a calming playlist, or just sit in the stillness and reflect.  Psalm 34:18, says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” Sometimes, just being still and letting God’s presence surround you can be deeply healing.

Lean on Community: You don’t have to carry your sadness alone. Reach out to friends, family, or your church famil—people who can sit with you, pray with you, or simply be there. And if you’re looking for a meaningful way to connect, I invite you to join me at a Blue Christmas Service I’ll be leading on Saturday, December 21st, at 6:45 pm, at Harmony at Brookberry Farm (my parent's independent living center). This service is designed for anyone who’s feeling a little (or a lot) of heaviness this season. It’s a space to reflect, light candles, and find hope together.

Find Healing in Helping: Sometimes, when we’re feeling stuck in sadness, doing something for someone else can help us reconnect. Volunteer, write a card to someone who’s lonely, or support a cause you care about. Even small acts of kindness can remind us of God’s love in the world.

Hold Onto the Real Promise of Christmas: Christmas isn’t about having it all together. It’s about God showing up in the middle of our mess with love, hope, peace and light. Jesus came for all of us—even when we’re broken, hurting, or overwhelmed. That’s the gift we can hold onto, no matter what.

If you’re feeling the weight of the season, please know you’re not alone. Whether you join us for the worship or find comfort in quiet prayer, I hope you’ll let yourself rest in the promise that God is with you—even in the heaviness.  See you Sunday!

Peace, Pastor Tracy