Holiday Pressure? Watch Your Words!

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us….” John 1:1

A few years ago I was asked by a women’s group to come and share some thoughts about how to watch our tongues during this hectic holiday season. They had been studying Speaking Wisely and wanted to do just that!I totally understood their desire because most of us need extra help when the pressure is on!I don’t know about you but when I’m under pressure (think endless searching for a parking spot at the local mall, long lines at the check-out stand, and shopping till your feet ache), I can get a bit irritable and my words aren’t necessarily sweet and kind. All my good intentions and deeply sincere prayers to be like Jesus throughout the day can quickly evaporate under too much stress.In addition to the above, add in our unrealistic expectations to get everyone the perfect present, decorate a stunning tree, bake enough cookies to feed the five thousand, and throw a fabulous party for everyone we know—PLUS stir in tired, cranky kids and a husband groaning at the cost of it all... Before you know it, the greatest season of the year can easily become one you’d rather forget as tempers flare, children bicker, and you have an emotional breakdown!So what can be done? Read on for some of the points I shared with those Christ-centered women who wanted to speak wisely even under pressure!

Nurture Your Children

In addition to the games and toys you’re getting for your kids:

• Decide to nurture them by what you say throughout this season (and the year).
• Be intentional. Put reminders to speak positively on your prayer list or daily calendar.
• Make a list of encouraging words and phrases you can use with them.
• Learn to be the master of your day—think about your plans and your kids’ energy. Can they really handle just one more store or are they going to have a melt-down?
• Train yourself to pay attention to the first tug, the first cry of “Mommy.” Determine not to ignore them until they are screaming “MOMMY” and everyone is staring at you!

Nurture Your Spouse or Others

What about speaking nurturing words to your husband (or other significant people in your life)? Wouldn’t they love to receive words of appreciation, or admiration, or affection—as well as that sweater or gizmo you plan to give them?

• Make a list of words that show support and use them.
• How about: “What can I do today that would help you?” (Will he keel over at hearing this?)
• Or words of respect: “What do YOU think about this? How do YOU want me to handle this?”
• And here’s a big mark of respect: “Do you think I’m spending too much?” Then discuss ways to compromise.

Nurture Yourself

What would nurture and fill your heart with joy? Here are some suggestions:

• Choose to speak kindly to yourself.
• Catch and stomp on lies you feed yourself or incessant self-criticism and fault-finding. Remind yourself that you would never dream of saying those things to anyone else—and it is NOT how God views you!
• Refuse to ignore your positive traits. In fact, make a list of them! This isn’t pride—it’s a way to marvel at God’s goodness in sending Jesus whose Spirit changes us all year round! Celebrate and thank God for what He has produced in you! They are His gifts, worth far more than jewels!

Never forget that your WORDS ARE POWERFUL!Use THEM to nurture others, and yourself, with GOD’S love.Tweetables:"When under pressure, I can get a bit irritable & my words aren’t necessarily sweet & kind. A few things to do about it: http://wp.me/p2JdPr-OS" - Click here to tweet this."Never forget that your words are powerful! Use them to nurture others, and yourself, with God's love. http://wp.me/p2JdPr-OS" - Click here to tweet this."Feeling holiday pressure? Here are a few ways to nurture your children, your spouse, and yourself via @Choose2Grow: http://wp.me/p2JdPr-OS" - Click here to tweet this.This article originally appeared in December's issue of Thrive, my free monthly newsletter. If you liked this article, you may want to sign up for Thrive to receive future issues with more articles like this one! Click here to sign up for Thrive.A merry, blessed Christmas to you!Poppy SmithInternational speaker, multi-published author, Bible teacher, and spiritual coachInspiring Women to Thrive! Permission to use this article is granted provided the following credit is fully included.Poppy Smith is funny, warm, and passionate about helping women grow spiritually and personally so they experience the love and power of Christ in life’s ups and downs. A former teaching leader with Bible Study Fellowship, Poppy has a Masters in Spiritual Formation and ministers extensively as a retreat and conference speaker both in the US and around the world. For more information about Poppy’s heart, her books and ministry, please visit her website at www.poppysmith.com.