I am tempted to cancel Thanksgiving this year. The whole affair just seems like way too much work, and the return on my investment seems way too low. I mean, I cook and clean and set a lovely table, and then people show up and misbehave and make me miserable. Maybe instead of celebrating Thanksgiving this year, I will just go on a cruise and float away from the the chaos.

I toyed with the idea for a whole 10 minutes, and then I remembered escaping from reality is never a healthy decision. Plus, the Holy Spirit also reminded me that I am called to let my little light shine in dark places. Sometimes those dark places are at the dinner table with stuffing and cranberry sauce.

So, in addition to pulling out my sweet potato casserole recipe, I am going to open up my Bible and ask God to help me sweeten up my bad attitude.

How about you? I hope I am not the only one who wants to hide from Thanksgiving.  Are you tempted to order take out instead of inviting people to your table?

Maybe like me, you’d like to take an extended break from

• Dealing with unhealthy people who use their words like a weapon
• Striving to meet exhausting demands and unreasonable commitments
• Stuffing your face with food, yet having an empty heart
• Overextending yourself and feeling guilty for needing to take a time out
• Nursing a grudge instead of nourishing your soul

Right now, I am walking through a chaotic season in my family, and God has been whispering a clear message to my soul:  Slow down and seek me.  

My circumstances may be out of my control, but my response is not.  I can choose to give thanks even in the midst of the crazy.

Here are 5 ways I’m resolving to trust Christ will see me through and help me to celebrate Thanksgiving.

How to Celebrate Thanksgiving in the Chaos

Surrender Your Expectations

Stop mentally replaying that picture perfect portrait of holiday cheer. The people seated at your table will not be fictional characters reading the lines you wrote for them. You are not a puppet master, and your family will not dance to your liking. Real people are imperfect, and you need to be prepared for their humanity. Silence the “shoulds” in your head and stay in tune with the Spirit.

“My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him.” (Psalm 62:5, AMPC)

Set Aside Time to Sabbath

Holiday stress will happen, so it’s important for you to cultivate your calendar to make room for rest and renewal. You don’t have to do “all the things” and cram your week so full that you have no room to breathe. The most important “to do” for this season is to be still and know He is God.

“Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him; fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass.” (Psalm 37:7, AMPC).

Serve Someone in Need

The enemy of your soul wants you to focus on what you are missing this season, but you can circumvent his schemes by giving yourself away. Rolling up your sleeves to help the hurting reminds you how little you truly have to complain about in comparison. As you pour out love to another, God will fill you up with His peace and joy.

“The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.” (Proverbs 11:25, MSG)

Set Healthy Boundaries for a Happy You

Safeguarding your family and your sanity come before fulfilling obligations to unhealthy people who do not respect your personal space. You can love people well without losing your soul by defining your own limits and sticking to them. There is no shame in saying no to someone in order to protect your personal well being.

“Don’t visit your neighbor too often, or he will become tired of you and grow to hate you…Like a tooth that is rotten or a foot that is unsteady, so is relying on a person who can’t be trusted in times of trouble…Like a conquered city with no walls, so is a man who has no self-control. (Proverbs 25:17, 19, 28, VOICE)

Seek to Embrace Grace

Jesus modeled restoration for us, and we are called to be His ambassadors of reconciliation. Believe the best in others and be quick to forgive. His supernatural love will help us cover a multitude of sins.

“How satisfied you are when you demonstrate tender mercy! For tender mercy will be demonstrated to you.” (Matthew 5:7, TPT)

To help you celebrate Thanksgiving in the chaos, I’ve created a one-page printable for you to count your blessings from A to Z this month. Download a copy and grab a cup of tea. Then, find a quiet spot to sit down for a spell to reflect on how God has shown up for you in unexpected ways this past year. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and  grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.

Bonus: I’m also going to count my blessings from A to Z on my Instagram and Facebook for the first 26 days in November, and I’d love for you to join me there and share yours.  

We can celebrate Thanksgiving in the chaos by making wise decisions that help us find balance. As we purpose to put the oxygen mask on first, we will overcome all the holiday stress and stay sane. Our attitude of gratitude will help others remember He is God and help them see they can raise their own hallelujah.

Courageous choices can help you celebrate Thanksgiving in the chaos.

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Let’s chat: What is one way you can celebrate Thanksgiving even when life is chaotic?

Want to figure out how to celebrate Thanksgiving

and get your joy back?

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