I wanted to do a post that speaks to what I call the Christmas crash to help you give yourself and others some compassion and grace. I believe there are four things you need to level out after the holiday roller coaster brings you back into the station from the highs and lows you’ve been riding.
1. Awareness and Acknowledgement
Emotional depletion after high energy, connection, and busyness of the holidays.
Physical fatigue from overindulgence, disrupted routines, or travel.
Mental fog as the structure and anticipation of the holidays give way to uncertainty.
Biblical Reflection:
Even Jesus withdrew to rest after intense ministry moments (Mark 6:31). It’s okay to feel depleted after a busy season. This crash can be a gift, an invitation to pause and draw near to God.
Practical Tips:
Give yourself permission to rest: Take a nap, go to bed early, or simply be still.
Reconnect with your body: Hydrate, eat nourishing foods, and take gentle walks.
Name what you’re feeling: Pray and journal about the emotions you’re processing.
I know that I really love the anticipation of the holidays like we talked about in the last post, and the dopamine hits of knowing each day has something to look forward to is so good. Knowing my daughter and her boyfriend are flying in from Hawaii, my son is coming from Nashville, and friends are coming in for dinner the weekend after Christmas for my birthday is so fun. But I also know that I’m fatigued by the time Christmas comes but don’t usually feel it because of the anticipation and dopamine and busyness, so Christmas Day is usually this drop in hope instead of an abundance of it. Unless… I intentionally set my eyes on the Hope of the World. If my hope is in Him, dopamine means nothing. All that is, is the physical manifestation of external happiness. But focusing on Jesus actually lifts the spirit and soul up. Then the body can be restored and fulfilled because He is the spiritual dopamine that heals, delivers, and raises me from the dead.
2. Recentering
The holidays can pull our focus toward traditions, family, and even stress, leaving our spiritual connection frayed. Matthew 11:28-30 reminds us to come to Jesus for rest. He is our anchor in every season.
How to Recenter:
Quiet Time Reset: Set aside 10-15 minutes daily to reconnect with Jesus. Meditate on His promises using scriptures like Psalm 23 or Isaiah 40:31.
Practice Gratitude: Reflect on how God showed up during the holiday season and thank Him for His presence. Gratitude realigns our hearts with His goodness.
Worship as a Tool for Alignment: Play your favorite worship songs and let the words minister to you. Songs like "Gratitude" by Brandon Lake or "Be Still" by Hillsong can shift your focus.
I have an episode where I talk about reading the Word and how different translations bring something powerful to your soul. There are three types of translations: the literal, the dynamic, and the paraphrased. All are beautiful and all are valuable. None of them can meet the full truth of the Word because they’re all just translations, so you’d have to go learn Hebrew, Greek, and Arabic if you want the literal because that’s the only way to truly know exactly what was said is by diving into who said it in what language.
I love The Passion Translation, which is a paraphrased version so shares idea for idea, for a beautiful interpretation that meets me where I’m at, especially in the morning and for devotional times. I look to the dynamic translation of the Christian Standard Bible for my thought for thought study and the literal translation of the English Standard Version or Amplified for the word for word study. If I’m really digging into something I cross reference all three types of translations. This gives me greater context but also new perspectives, especially if I read the footnotes in The Passion Translation. They just seem to open up a whole new world of truth.
I highly suggest finding a Bible in a new translation that might help wake your soul up a bit and speak to the season you’re in and the season you’re going into. Maybe check out Bibles that speak specifically to who you are like the Women of Destiny Bible or the Care and Counsel Bible which is great for ministering to yourself and to others. There’s also a new CSB Grace Bible out specifically for people with dyslexia and that’s super exciting because it opens up a whole new world for so many people! I’ll put links to all of those in the show notes.
3. Fresh Vision
Step 1: Look Back first
Reflect on the past season. Ask God:
What did I learn?
What am I leaving behind?
What blessings or growth did You bring into my life?
Step 2: Ask Jesus for Vision
Proverbs 29:18 reminds us that without vision, we perish. Ask Jesus to show you what’s next in your personal life, relationships, and calling.
Take time to pray and listen. Journaling can help you capture what the Holy Spirit is whispering to your heart.
Step 3: Set Intentions
Instead of diving into rigid resolutions, focus on setting Christ-centered intentions:
“I want to be more present with my family.”
“I will say yes to God’s calling, even when it feels uncomfortable.”
“I want to steward my health and energy for His glory.”
I recently coached two different people on something that falls into this concept. It’s something I often teach and coach on because there’s a common misconception when it comes to goals and future vision. Instead of saying to yourself, “I will work extra hard to get out of debt by the end of next year,” determine why you would do that in the first place and why it’s important to you. Are you looking to have financial freedom, to quit your job and start a business, have extra money to travel, be able to pay for your kid’s college when they start up in the fall? Make that your point B instead of being out of debt.
Then you can map how you’ll get from point A today to point B and see there are many different routes to get there and getting out of debt is one of them. This helps to frame getting out of debt as an action and a plan unto something bigger and more meaningful versus it being the ultimate goal which isn’t super inspiring on its own when you feel the pressure of it.
4. Renewed Hope
Hope Anchored in Christ: Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” True hope doesn’t come from our circumstances or achievements but from trusting God’s faithfulness.
Practical Ways to Build Hope: Create a “Hope Journal” where you write down answered prayers, promises from scripture, and moments God has shown His faithfulness.
Surround yourself with encouragement: Read testimonies, share with trusted friends, or listen to sermons that inspire faith.
Speak life over your future: Declare scriptures like Jeremiah 29:11 and 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 over your next season.
In addition:
I highly suggest choosing something to do with each day between Christmas and New Year’s. I’m going to give you some ideas here, but if you’ll just pick one for each day you’ll have something to look forward to doing. Some of them are just soul things you can stop for a few minutes and do right where you are. And others are things you can schedule and make time to go do.
Reflect on the Year with Gratitude- Write down five things you’re grateful for from this past year. Reflect on how God showed up in big and small ways.
Journal a "Year-in-Review" Letter to God- Pour your heart out to God in writing. Celebrate victories, release disappointments, and thank Him for His presence through it all.
Set a Vision for the New Year- Spend time with the Lord asking, “What do You want me to focus on in the coming season?” Jot down three key areas you feel called to grow or serve in. Ask God for new vision to be placed on your heart.
Create a Prayer List for the New Year- List personal prayers, family needs, or ministry opportunities you’re believing God for in 2025.
Declutter a Space- Pick one area of your home (a drawer, closet, or desk) and refresh it. Clearing physical clutter can help clear mental clutter, too.
Have a Mini Retreat Day- Dedicate a morning or afternoon to be with Jesus. Use worship, Bible reading, journaling, and prayer to center yourself. Schedule a massage or haircut or find one of those True Rest Floating Spas and pretend you’re floating in the Dead Sea. I’ve been to both the spa and the Dead Sea, and while the Dead Sea leaves your skin feeling super oily but refreshed, the float spa is probably just on the other side of your city and much cheaper to access. You literally lie in salt water with no light or sound and let your body decompress. It’s amazing, especially when your soul and body are fatigued. The best part is that the door is locked and no one can come get you and complain about siblings or ask what’s for dinner or tell you the deadline got moved up.
Take a Walk with God- Go for a quiet walk outdoors, leaving distractions behind. Use the time to reflect, pray, and soak in God’s creation.
Make a Family or Personal Vision Board- Cut out pictures or write words and phrases that inspire you. Focus on things God is speaking to you about your future.
Reach Out to Someone You Admire- Send a message or email to someone who inspires you—thank them, share encouragement, or ask for advice as you start a new year.
Do a Fun, Creative Activity- Whether it’s painting, baking, or a new craft project, give yourself permission to enjoy something playful and refreshing.
Read a Faith-Inspiring Book- Choose a book or devotional that will uplift your spirit and align your thoughts with God’s promises.
Serve or Give Generously- Do something kind for a neighbor or a friend. Drop off a meal, pay for someone’s coffee, or write a note of encouragement.
Fast from Social Media for a Day- Take a break from scrolling and spend that time journaling, reading, or being fully present with your loved ones.
Plan a “God First” Routine for 2025- Think about how you want to start your days. Maybe include worship music, prayer, or time in the Word. Write out a simple routine you can stick to. Also consider how you’re giving to God first with your tithe and offerings as a cheerful giver.
I recommend checking out episodes 89 about holding onto hope in what I call the season of big days, 95 is about the five big emotions you’re probably dealing with and how to do it, 96 talks about 7 ways to deal with the letdown, and 98 is about hope and declaration for the next season. I also did a fresh start series two Januarys ago so I recommend checking out episodes 101-116.
Well, the next episode will be published in 2025 so I bless you friend. I bless you to know that all things are possible, all things are figureoutable, and all things are being woven together for your good, for your future, and for your relationship with God to grow stronger. You’ve got this. You do hard things. You are worthy. And all my love goes out to you. Merry Christmas again, and Happy New Year!
Reader Challenge
Take the Post-Holiday Reset Challenge:
Choose seven of the things from the list I gave you or create your own idea, and do one of them each day between Christmas and new year’s. This way you have a goal for each day that is refreshing and recentering that you can find joy in.
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