The “EXTRA” activities that the Christmas season brings make it is easy to become overloaded, overbooked, and overwhelmed even with good intentioned things. It’s okay to say “No.” No need to feel guilty. It is wise and even healthy to set realistic boundaries for yourself. Your health and sanity will thank you and quite possibly all the people around who is interacting with you as well! It is more than okay to say no to unhealthy holiday choices.
Just Say “No”
Start by just saying “No.” It does not have to be rude. Saying no enables the other party to look elsewhere to fill that time slot or holiday commitment. It is the adult and responsible thing to do. A much nicer option than being a no show or dumping the commitment last minute on some unprepared soul. Saying “No” helps you to organize and set apart time to prioritize what really needs to be accomplished. This simple statement chooses and establishes healthful times to sit at the feet of Jesus. Mary chose to do this instead of bustling around like Martha being all irritated at the people around her. She chose to listen to what Jesus was saying. Mary had peace. She chose the right thing to partake in. Mary’s actions said no without being rude. Just start by saying a simple “No.”
38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
Luke 10: 38-42
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Make Time To Be Still Before The Lord
Making time to be still before the Lord is a benefit that you cannot afford to pass on. Jumping blindly into your day can bring catastrophic choices. The Martha in all of us will come out and it is never pretty. Jesus pointed out to Martha that she was flustered about many things. Martha was overbooked and overwhelmed to the point of complaining and tattling. Ever been there? I have. But choosing to take time to be still with the Lord is where you will find the strength and wisdom for the upcoming battles in your day. Make time to pray for a friend, read a passage in the Bible, ask for a blessing, and choose to just “be STILL” before the Lord. Say “No” to anything that would hinder you from taking a few precious moments at the start of your day to be still before the Lord.
Tame Your Indulgences
Over-indulgences are commonplace during the holidays. That can leave us feeling physically, emotionally, and spiritually depleted, even sick. Your health depends on you taming what you choose to indulge in. Say “No” to unhealthy holiday indulgences. Limit the sweets. Partake but don’t OVER indulge. Choose what is the most beneficial for your body, mind, emotions, and spirit to be healthy no matter what season you are in. Tame your holiday indulgences and implement healthy choices. Live a satisfying life pleasing to the Lord. It may not always be easy to tame your holiday indulgences but it will ALWAYS be okay to say “No” to unhealthy choices.
In The End
Choose to remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. Make Him the focus of your busy Christmas. Sit at His feet and rest. Listen to His wisdom for your life. Say “No” to unhealthy holiday choices and implement healthy choices instead. Don’t be a Martha but follow the example Mary set to sit at the feet of Jesus listening to what He had to say. It’s okay to say “No” in order to do that. Don’t feel guilty about choosing to be still before the Lord. Your reward will be much greater if you do rather than grumbling and tattling about what’s bothering you to those around you. I promise! Merry Christmas to all! Be abundantly blessed!
Great ideas. We definitely can get overwhelmed quickly with the holidays if you don’t say no every now and then. You have to make time for yourself for sure.
There is just not enough time in the day to everything going on during the holidays for sure! Choose wisely and don’t be afraid to say no sometimes. It is healthier for sure!