“Cease the Christmas Conflict!”

What are some of your favorite things about the holiday season?

Check out a quick list below to help keep the holidays happy this year! 🙂

The holiday season, Christmas and New Year’s Eve, are my favorite times of the year. Christmas because ever since I moved away from home for college and beyond, it marked the end of a semester and the opportunity to spend some quality time with my family. New Year’s Eve is not only another time I get to be with family, but it marks the end of something old and the start of something new. I get this sense of newness, excitement, and optimism when the calendar approaches December 31st! I am definitely looking forward to 2025! It’s the year I turn 35, the year I travel more, and in the words of my Pastor: the number 25 in the Bible represents “grace upon grace!” What’s your favorite holiday/time of year?!

I am sure many of you are traveling and meeting up with different family members and friends this holiday season. I hope you all travel safely and enjoy every moment with your loved ones! One thing that came to my mind about large family gatherings is that sometimes things are done and said to each other that aren’t always kind. Sometimes the uncle you haven’t seen all year says an inappropriate comment. Sometimes the second cousin you don’t really get along with is teasing you about not being married yet. Sometimes the parent or sibling you previously exchanged harsh words with never apologized and now they’re sitting across the dinner table from you. Studies even show that crime rates increase during the holiday season due to many factors such as having more time off from work, drugs/alcohol, and more packages being delivered.

These things are always so common and occur in many households, despite our efforts to be jolly and merry this time of year! This leads me to share a quick “how to guide” on ceasing Christmas conflict.

You Can Cease Christmas Conflict by Doing These Simple Things:

• One – let’s bring back the golden rule: if you don’t have something nice to say, then don’t say anything at all. Leave the drama and pettiness at the front door!
• Two – don’t compare yourself or your journey to someone else’s. They’ll get married and have children if and when they’re ready to.
• Three – don’t bring up the past unless it’s a fun and happy memory. Grudges have no place during the holidays!
• Four – put the drink down. Give yourself a limit. If someone is telling you that you’re always going a little too far after you’ve had one too many, don’t get mad. Listen to them!
• Five – comments and discussions on someone’s weight — gain or loss — completely OFF THE TABLE. PERIOD.
• Six – if they’re always problematic, then don’t invite them. Sorry, not sorry.
• Seven – apologize.
• Eight – remember the reason for the season. Whether you celebrate Christmas or other holidays, this is a universal time of self-reflection, spreading joy and love, and making happy memories!

I am sure if we all kept these few things in mind whenever we are around our families for the holidays, birthdays, reunions, or whatever, then we could have less holiday drama. I am blessed to say that my family and holiday gatherings are usually always positive and nothing but a GOOD TIME! The drinks are flowing, the laughs are happening, the gifts are passing, the photos are snapping, the outfits are slaying, the stories are telling, the babies are giggling, and the memories are sharing!

I hope none of you have any Grinches or Scrooges coming to steal the gifts of joy, peace, and love from you this year! I hope the last few days of 2024 are everything you’ve ever needed to help propel you into a blissful and prosperous 2025!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'” Luke 2:10-12, NIV

Moni Jay, Off the Record