Mental Health and Christianity part 4: Christmas 

Hey everyone, so this week I’ll be talking about how Christmas effects your mental health because while Christmas might be a happy time for some people others not so much for multiple reasons whether it be a loved one passing away, life going all over the place anything that happens that might make you feel down.  

Imagine if you lived in the bible times and were in Mary Mother of Jesus’s shoes. How do you think you would have responded if you were told by an angel that you were going to give birth to Jesus Christ? For me personally, I honestly don’t know how I would have responded if I was in Mary’s shoes. Luke 1:34-35 (NIV) says;” How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” As you can see, Mary was confused on how this can happen and honestly, it’s understandable because her situation was truly extraordinary and must have brought about a whirlwind of emotions—fear, awe, uncertainty, maybe even anxiety about what was to come. It’s important to remember that moments of confusion and worry, especially during big life changes or holidays like Christmas, are normal and valid. Just like Mary, we might not always have all the answers or feel ready for what’s ahead, but finding comfort and hope in our faith, community, or traditions can help us get through the tough times and embrace the season in our own way.  

What’s at least one tradition you have for this time of year?  For my family and I in past years ever since I was 17, I believe, we’ve always opened one Christmas present on Christmas eve because there was one year that my three younger siblings and I asked if we could open present early and we’ve done it ever since. This year I honestly don’t know what Christmas is going to be like since this is my first Christmas without my Dad which does bring up different emotions. I still know in my heart that it’s going to be okay.  

Maybe this year looks different for you as well, I just want to encourage you that while change can be hard it can also be wonderful. I’ve always believed that there’s always joy in life. It just might take some time to discover joy in life.  If you’re having a hard time finding joy in life, you can always send me an email, and I can help you. I also have an exercise for you. I want you to get a notebook and a pencil or basically something you can write or type this out. I want you to write or type down the question. What’s something that I can do to bring joy into my life? The reason I had you do that exercise is because sometimes life gets really crazy and it’s easy to forget that there’s always joy in life even if it takes some time to find it. James 1:17 (NIV) says;” Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. Did you catch that? “Every good and perfect gift is from above”. What this particular part is about is every good and perfect gift that comes from heaven, and that’s basically what this verse is talking about. Because Christmas isn’t about receiving gifts it it’s about giving them and that’s exactly why Christ came to earth it’s so that we can have another chance at life. Because life is crazy and sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the moment that we forget what’s happening right in front of us. 

 As we enter 2026 in less than a week. I just want to challenge you to live in the moment and just enjoy life. 

As I close, if you ever need to talk, have any prayer requests or questions feel free to email me at Homeschoolgradblog@gmail.com, message me on my Facebook page that’s called faithful. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thanks for reading.