(Photo by Natalie Reed)

Positive Perspective for The Holidays

By Susan Park

If you’re feeling anxious or depressed about this upcoming holiday season, you’re not alone. 2020 stood out as a challenging year for us. We may feel discouraged as we approach the holidays, due to the loss of some of our beloved traditions. How should we approach this season with a joyful heart, and gain a positive perspective for the holidays this year? We can have a positive perspective by approaching this holiday season through three ways. The first way, is to have gratitude. The second way, is to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. The third way, is to give to others.

The first way, is to have gratitude. We can reflect back on this past year and see how God worked in our lives. Take a moment and remember some ways God has provided for you, answered your prayers, or helped you. Reflect on God’s love, care, and the faithfulness He has shown you (and others around you). Thank God for those moments you noticed, the way He worked in your life this past year.

The second way, is to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Since there may not be the usual busyness of the holidays this year, we can focus more on the true meaning of Christmas: Celebrating the birth of Jesus. One suggestion is doing an Advent devotional, to prepare your heart to celebrate Christmas in a deep and meaningful way.

The third way, is to give to others. Here are five suggestions on how you can be a blessing to others this holiday season:

1) Drop off Christmas cookies or small gifts in front of your family or friends’ houses. On New Year Eve, drop off a basket of sparkling grape juice with plastic glasses, party hats, and other celebratory items.

2) Do Secret Santa with family and friends by using free gift exchange websites, such as Drawnames.com.

3) Do a surprise Christmas musical concert by singing and playing instruments via Zoom.

4) Drop off food at your local food pantries, since there may be an increased food shortage this holiday season.

5) Donate to Christian organizations such as World Vision (www.wvi.org), or Samaritan’s Purse (www.samaritanspurse.org).

I want to encourage you with the verse of Isaiah 40:31, as we approach the New Year. “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” We can find hope and joy in 2021. God will give us “new strength,” to celebrate this holiday season with a positive perspective and joyful heart.