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I love Christmas and everything about it. The lights. The music. The decorations. The goodies. Time with friends and family. But this was a different kind of Christmas—the worst one ever.

I’m a pretty organized person who makes lists and plans. Well . . . not this particular year. My shopping—generally finished before Thanksgiving—was done two days before Christmas. Mostly gift cards instead of my normal, well-thought-out gifts. I dealt with several health issues, and my husband got sick right before the big day. We had no gifts under the tree for each other, and what lay under the tree was minimal. My daughter and her family—who live over three hours away—could not join us. This would be the first Christmas without our daughter in all her forty-three years. Our son had plans with his wife’s family. Even my Christmas orchid didn’t bloom.

So there I sat on Christmas Eve, staring at my tree and feeling quite sorry for myself. So sorry, in fact, that I had a complete meltdown.

I poured out my complaints to my very patient husband. He listened and tried to talk me down off the proverbial ledge. I cried. I prayed. I fretted. I woke up in the middle of the night and fretted some more.

On Christmas morning, I once again sat by my tree. No tears, just prayer. Prayer to the One whose birthday I was supposed to be celebrating. I gave my burden to Him, then read an article about how the holiday can be hard for some people who must put on a brave face while grieving inside. My problems seemed petty compared to what others might be facing.

The best part was the reminder that when Jesus lives inside us, we are never alone—even in our darkest and saddest moments. He laid down His life so we could have an abundance of love, joy, and peace—no matter the time of year or what season of life we find ourselves in. All we must do is keep our focus on Him.

I’m learning to be more flexible, knowing that things will not always turn out how I want them to. But that’s okay. I can rest in Him, knowing He is with me and will supply everything I need. And He will do the same for you.

How can you guard against a Christmas meltdown? 

(photo courtesy of pixabay and Quangpraha)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)