Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

244 Reclaim Your Christmas: Practical Tips for a Stress-Less Holiday Season!

December 14, 2023
00:00 45:13
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Episode summary:

Tired of the holiday hustle? Ditch the overwhelm and rediscover the joy of the season! In this podcast episode replay, Scott and I share practical ways to reduce stress and enjoy a more relaxed Christmas.  Learn how to simplify traditions, manage expectations, and focus on what truly matters. You can enjoy a restful, relaxing holiday! Join us for how!

Quotables from the episode:

So much of our stress at Christmas comes from several key areas:

  • Keeping tradition for tradition sake 
  • People pleasing
  • Unrealistic & often unvoiced expectations of ourselves and others
  • Trying to prove something to someone (or yourself)

It’s easy to talk about Christmas and refocusing on Christ at Christmas but what does that look like?

  • Resting in His presence
  • Spending time with The Gift (Jesus) and The Gift Giver (Our Heavenly Father)
  • Letting Him take care of us
  • Trading in our to-do list for rest
  • Recognizing what the busyness means/truly reflects

Practical Tips for Stressing Less This Christmas:

  • Let each family member choose ONE kind of cookie to be baked and let them help make them
  • Let the lights on the tree, and Christmas cards received, be the tree decorations
  • Let the wrapping of the gifts be the love with which they were purchased
  • Make the Christmas dinner be comprised of each family member’s favorite dish
  • Consider catering the Christmas meal
  • Resolve to be okay with paper plates and napkins so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the people you love

A hope-filled perspective for a less stressful Christmas:

  • God doesn’t put these heavy burdens on us
  • God invites us into His rest, not for Him but for our benefit
  • God offers us the chance to choose His rest, but He doesn’t force us
  • Fewer expectations means fewer disappointments

Scripture References:

  • Luke 10:41-42 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
  • Hebrews 4:1 “God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it…” 

 

Recommended Resources: 

 

Social Media Links for Host:

 

For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:

Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube

 

Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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Meet Your Host
Dr. Michelle Bengtson is a hope concierge! She is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, international speaker, and award-winning author dedicated to offering hope, healing, and practical tools for mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. As the host of the top-rated podcast Your Hope-Filled Perspective, she combines her professional expertise with biblical truth to empower listeners to overcome anxiety, depression, and life’s challenges through faith.

A trusted voice in Christian mental health, Dr. Bengtson is the bestselling author of Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey through Depression and Breaking Anxiety's Grip. With over 30 years of clinical experience, she has helped countless individuals find lasting freedom from fear, stress, and discouragement.

Dr. Bengtson is a frequent media guest on platforms such as Focus on the Family, Life Today, and Moody Radio. Her writing and resources have been featured on outlets including Crosswalk, iBelieve, and Salem Media, equipping believers to embrace God's promises in every season.

Connect with Dr. Bengtson at DrMichelleBengtson.com, where she shares faith-based encouragement, expert insights, and free resources for cultivating a hope-filled life.
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