It’s the holiday season, are you ready to celebrate? I love this time of year, but this year feels different because COVID-19 has turned our world upside down. Gain some perspective. Put yourself in the shoes of:

• someone who lost their job this year and remains unemployed.
• a small business owner who has been forced to close down, or limit their capacity, causing their business to struggle.
• someone with serious health issues.

Do you really want their challenges? We all have challenges in our lives, but that doesn’t mean we should take a year off from celebrating. Of all the years, we all need to celebrate this year.

Accept that you couldn’t control whatever disruptions you’ve experienced this year, it’s happened. What you do control though is your reaction to those circumstances, don’t let them dictate what you do and how you celebrate.

Here are some things to consider about this holiday season.

1) What example are you sharing?

When life hits you with the unexpected, whether you like it or not, others are watching to see how you react. If you avoid everything, you are saying to others when life gets difficult just hide and avoid people? Is that the example you want others to see, especially your children?

I encourage you to be the example. Participate in old traditions, or, because it’s a different year, create new ways to celebrate. There aren’t any rules on how you celebrate, just celebrate.

2) Who needs to see you?

You may not feel “lovable” these days, disruption does that to us, but it doesn’t mean you don’t need to be loved. Do you realize how many people need and want to see you? Trust me, there are many. You’re important to them, they care about you, they want to be with and support you if you’ll let them. The holidays give you an opportunity to see people and receive some of God’s amazing grace through the people you spend time with.

Also consider whether there is someone you need to see, a person you care about or one who has had an important impact in your life. Use this holiday season as a reason to reach out and connect with them.

3) Can you make it about others?

The Christmas holidays are about giving to others. What about giving of yourself, the best gift, to help others? Try volunteering your time for an organization, e.g. volunteer at a food pantry, help at your church, etc., help a family member or friend in need.

4) The reason we celebrate.

The holiday season is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, our savior. That is the best news you and I could ever receive and it’s a reason for some serious celebrating.

When life is disrupted, you might feel abandoned by God. He hasn’t forgotten you, but I understand the feeling. Our faith isn’t really about feelings because they are so unreliable, it’s what we know to be true.

Do you recall what the angels said in announcing his birth?

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Luke 2: 10

Did you notice that it said, “all of the people”? Yes, even those struggling with unemployment, or a business not doing well, your health, or even struggling with your faith. You don’t have to have to be perfect. He came for you and me because of our struggles. He cares about you, he loves you. Nothing is better.

Now that’s worth celebrating!