Are you one of those women who dreads the holidays because of all there is to do? Or all you have to buy? Or all there is to eat? If that's the case, I want to encourage your heart with three ways you can refocus and be stress-free this Christmas!   
     It's all about focus. Focusing not on your full schedule, your finances or that inevitable holiday weight gain, but on three areas that can get you through the Christmas season feeling recharged, refreshed and refueled. 

1. Rely on God to Meet Your Emotional Needs. As women, it's natural for us to rely on people around us to notice when we're stressed, offer a helping hand, or just lend some encouragement and support. The problem is, everyone else around us tends to be as stressed as we are. These are the times to go to God in prayer and pour out your heart before Him. Scripture says God understands our thoughts from afar (Psalm 139:2); He is a refuge for us when we need to pour out our hearts to Him (Psalm 62:8); and there is nowhere we can go (physically or emotionally) where He is not right there with us (Psalm 139:7-12). When we look to others to understand what we're going through, we are often disappointed. But God, your Maker and Sustainer, knows and understands. Go to Him. And be refreshed knowing He cares and understands.

2. Refresh Yourself in God's Word. Psalm 19:7-8 tells us God's Word is perfect, reviving the soul; it is trustworthy, making wise the simple; it is right, giving joy to the heart; and it is radiant, giving light to the eyes. Now if you found something all in one package or pill that revives you, gives you wisdom, bring joy to your heart, and brightens your eyes, wouldn't you want to take it on a daily basis? Yet that's what God's Word does for you. It acts like a daily dose of vitamins for your heart and soul, to refresh you and get you through your day. Second Timothy 3:16 also says that "All Scripture is God-breathed...." Especially at this time of year, I need that "breath of fresh air" from the Living God to act as a "second wind" and give me the energy and discernment I need to get through not just the holidays, but every day. Don't you?

3. Remember Your Priority Relationships. When we remember what's most important in life -- and at this time of year -- it can keep us from stressing out. We were made to love God and enjoy Him forever. And Jesus said the greatest commandment was to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength, and love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). That means that all you think you have to do, and all the money you feel you have to spend, pale in comparison to the people right in front of you. As you start to stress, ask yourself this question: What is most important: The project or the person I'm neglecting in order to get it done? In your busyness this Christmas, don't neglect the One this season is all about. And don't neglect the loved ones He has given you to share your life with. Prioritize people over productivity and you'll find it's easy to just let some things go. At this time of year, what better gift to give the Lord Jesus (whose birthday it is) than the gift of a quiet heart that says 'I love You" and "I love this season in which I can celebrate You!"