Protecting My Peace During the Holidays

The holidays can be a season of joy, but they can also awaken grief, longing, and quiet sorrow. For many of us, both truths exist at the same time.

There was a time when the holidays felt full of light—family gatherings, shared laughter, and the comfort of being together. As life unfolded and family dynamics changed, that joy began to feel different. My brother loved Thanksgiving, and my father loved Christmas. When they passed away, the holidays no longer held the same warmth. What once brought comfort now carried reminders of what was missing.

Each year, I try to enter the season with hope. And each year, I am reminded that the holidays don’t always arrive gently. They can come with tension, grief, and expectations that weigh heavily on the heart. Over time, I learned to stop forcing joy and instead seek peace.

Scripture reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). That truth has become an anchor for me during this season.

If you love the holidays, I pray your season is filled with warmth, connection, and gratitude. And if the holidays are painful for you, please know this—you are not weak, and you are not alone. God sees you fully. He meets you exactly where you are, even in the heaviness.

This year, I am choosing to protect my peace, and I invite you to do the same. Protecting your peace doesn’t mean avoiding the season or pretending everything is okay. It means giving yourself permission to grieve, to rest, and to invite God into the quiet spaces of your heart.

One way I do this is by creating small, intentional traditions—moments that don’t depend on anyone else and don’t require perfection. It can be as simple as watching holiday lights, listening to worship music, lighting a candle, or sitting in stillness with prayer. For me, the scent of a Christmas tree brings comfort and reminds me of the love my dad and I shared. That small reminder feels like peace.

Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” Peace doesn’t come from the absence of pain—it comes from trusting God within it.

✨ Reflection & Invitation:
As this season unfolds, take a moment to ask God what peace looks like for you. Start one small tradition that honors your heart and invites His presence. Let it be simple. Let it be gentle. Let it be yours.

Protect your peace this season. Give yourself grace. And remember—you are held, even here.