{"id":7068918,"date":"2026-09-28T05:56:10","date_gmt":"2026-09-28T05:56:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/mission-possible-blog-holiday-expectations\/"},"modified":"2026-09-28T05:56:10","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T05:56:10","slug":"mission-possible-blog-holiday-expectations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7068918","title":{"rendered":"Mission Possible Blog : Holiday Expectations"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\u00a0It\u2019s that time of year when expectations\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b>run high\u2026 but they often don\u2019t quite\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b>measure-up to reality.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

This holiday season is different for sure… Travel is being discouraged, gathering to share a meal with multi generations is frowned upon, and many do not have the additional resources to spare for lavish presents and overindulgences.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We all have unmet expectations when it comes to Christmas.\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Now might be a good time to reevaluate what is <\/span>really important<\/i><\/b>\u00a0this Christmas.\u00a0 Faith, family and charity<\/i><\/b> are my favorite things to focus on during this time of year. Here is my take on each of them:Christmas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

FAITH\u00a0<\/span><\/b>–\u00a0\u00a0 Jesus is certainly the\u00a0Reason for the Season<\/b><\/i>. The babe in the manger born in Bethlehem came into this world to fulfill prophesy foretold long ago of a Savior \u2013 Christ the Lord.\u00a0 He is our Prince of Peace during times of turmoil and uncertainty.\u00a0 Jesus is the \u201cindescribable gift\u201d from the Father above.<\/span><\/p>\n

(II Corinthians 9:15).<\/span><\/p>\n

FAMILY<\/span><\/b>\u00a0–\u00a0\u00a0 Now there is a \u201cloaded\u201d subject.\u00a0 We all have them, but sometimes we don’t like them very much. \u00a0<\/span>Often during family gatherings tensions arise between siblings, parents and children, and spouses.\u00a0 Every family has their\u00a0<\/span>danger zone<\/i>\u00a0when it comes to relationship pitfalls.\u00a0 Placing unrealistic expectations on your family can cause depression, anxiety, and anger.\u00a0 Be sure bathe your holidays in prayer.\u00a0 Extend grace where needed and use self-control liberally.<\/span><\/p>\n

CHARITY<\/span><\/b>\u00a0–\u00a0 Nothing makes you feel better than meeting a need and helping someone less fortunate than yourself.\u00a0 Giving emulates the character of Jesus<\/i><\/b>.\u00a0 This is the season for gift giving and donating your time, energy and finances to worthy causes.\u00a0 Share with others what the Lord has blessed you with. Remember, it is not the size of your gift \u2013 but the heart motive that matters.<\/span><\/p>\n

Oftentimes family gatherings are a flashpoint for tensions.<\/i><\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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First of all – we likely don’t have a perfect family – who does?\u00a0 It might be stressful to deal with an ex-spouse or ex-in-laws.\u00a0 Many people deal with new dynamics in a blended family. Things don\u2019t always go as planned, so be sure to stay flexible and non-confrontational if possible.\u00a0 Extend grace to others.\u00a0 Don\u2019t assume wrong motives.\u00a0 Allow extra time for yourself in order to avoid a melt-down in the middle of cooking, cleaning and socializing with your extended family.\u00a0 Ask others to help with food preparation, gift-wrapping, decorating and cleanup.<\/span><\/p>\n

Give yourself permission to \u201clet something go\u201d that was on your to-do list without the guilt.\u00a0<\/span>Every year isn\u2019t going to be a Norman Rockwell Christmas \u2013 and that is OKAY.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span>Recognize that not everyone is going to want to do what\u00a0<\/span>you want to do<\/b><\/i>\u00a0at Christmastime.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>Give and take is essential with a large family as much as it is with a small one.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>Feelings will get hurt and toes will get stepped on.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>It\u2019s OKAY.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>Focus on the major things and don\u2019t fret over the minor things.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>Making memories that will last is honorable \u2013 but not at the expense of your sanity or your relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n

Enjoy the journey. Keep your sanity by maintaining some boundaries.\u00a0 Get plenty of rest, eat right, and exercise to keep yourself healthy and mentally balanced. Slow down…<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember \u2013 JESUS is the Reason for the Season.\u00a0 Everything else is just filler…<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Deborah
\nis the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled \u201cMission Possible\u201d. It was
\nwritten for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn\u2019t share their
\npassion.\u00a0 It will encourage and challenge
\nthe reader to embrace God\u2019s promises for their spouse and future together.<\/i>\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span>Visit \u00a0http:\/\/www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com<\/a><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/i>If you have been encouraged by this post – please take time to
\nshare it with others.<\/b><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

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\"Share\/Bookmark\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Holiday Expectations – Keeping It Real<\/p>\n<\/div>\n