Entering the Holidays with a Tender Heart

The holiday season is painted as a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness — but the truth is that many people enter this season carrying something much heavier. Anxiety, depression, grief, loneliness, and emotional exhaustion can make the holidays feel overwhelming instead of cheerful.

And that’s okay to admit.

Your emotional reality matters.

While the world is preparing for gatherings, events, and checklists, there are individuals quietly navigating…

• the grief of missing someone who won’t be at the table this year

• the stress of strained family dynamics

• the pressure of financial burdens

• the anxiety of expectations

• the weight of depression that doesn’t lift just because the calendar changes

• the loneliness of feeling unseen in a season that seems built for togetherness

  
  

If this is your experience, I want you to know: you are not alone, and there is nothing “wrong” with you for feeling this way.

You’re Allowed to Take This Season at Your Own Pace

You don’t have to perform.

You don’t have to pretend.

You don’t have to meet every expectation placed on you.

You don’t have to force joy you don’t feel.

This week — as we prepare for the holidays — give yourself permission to:

• rest when your body or heart feels tired

• step away from conversations that feel heavy

• create boundaries around stressful situations

• ask for help when you need support

• choose peace over pressure

• honor your grief or emotions without apologizing for them

God is not demanding perfection from you this season.

He is offering presence, peace, and comfort — especially in the areas that hurt the most.

God Walks With You Through the Hard Seasons

You may feel overwhelmed, but God is not overwhelmed by you.

You may feel weak, but He is strong for you.

You may feel alone, but He is close to the brokenhearted.

Whether your heart feels anxious, heavy, numb, or uncertain, God’s love meets you right where you are — not where people expect you to be.

A Prayer as You Begin the Week

“God, as I enter this holiday season, please calm my anxious thoughts, comfort my grieving places, and strengthen me where I feel weak. Help me walk gently, breathe deeply, and trust that I don’t have to carry everything alone. Surround me with Your peace and guide me through this week with grace.”

You are not alone this holiday season — and you don’t have to rush your healing. Move at the pace your soul needs.