Last week, a friend told me she had spent her lunch break crying in her car. Not because something terrible happened to her, but because she felt behind on Christmas. She said, “I’m overspending, overeating, and overstressed and Christmas hasn’t even arrived.”

Her words might resonate with you. Before Christmas day arrives, many of us are already weary from the three “overs” that drain our joy: overspending, overeating, and overstressing. These overages sneak up on us and make a beautiful season feel heavy. But with intention and a refocus of our hearts, we can reclaim the peace God intends for us.

Overeating: Practice Flexibility, Not Perfection

Holiday food is everywhere. Think about the gift baskets, office parties, family baking days and it’s easy to overindulge. Research on self-regulation shows that all-or-nothing thinking leads to more overeating, not less. When people believe they’ve “blown it,” they are more likely to continue overeating rather than regain control.

Instead, adopt a flexible mindset:

• Enjoy special treats without guilt.
• If you overdo it, don’t give up. Instead, simply adjust your next few meals.
• Pace yourself and decide ahead of time which foods are worth indulging in.

A compassionate approach to eating helps maintain both physical and emotional well-being during the holidays.

Overspending: Protect Your Finances and Your Stress Level

The season of giving can turn into the season of impulse buying before we realize it. Behavioral economics research consistently shows that credit cards reduce the “pain of paying,” making it easier to overspend compared to using cash.

Try these strategies to keep your budget intact:

1. Make a list and stick to it. No exceptions.
2. Put away credit cards. Use cash or a check so you can see what you’re spending. Keep only one emergency card, preferably held by a spouse or trusted friend.
3. Avoid “deals” that aren’t really deals. Many people buy unnecessary items simply because they’re discounted.
4. Stay off shopping channels and online browsing sites. Most unplanned purchases happen there.
5. Replace the urge to shop with something meaningful: take a walk, read, pray, or call a friend.

Setting limits is not about being stingy. It’s showing restraint, preserving peace, reducing stress, and stewarding your resources wisely.

Overstressed: Refocus on What Matters Most

The best antidote to holiday stress is a shift in focus. When we get caught up in commercialization, we drift away from the heart of Christmas. Stress grows, expectations escalate, and the season feels heavier than it should.

To recenter:

• Read the Christmas story to remember the meaning behind the celebration.
• Attend church services or special holiday programs.
• Send cards that share a spiritual message.
• Write a letter to a missionary or donate to a ministry.
• Look for opportunities to serve those in need in your community.

There is a saying, “If the devil cannot make you bad, he will make you busy.” Busyness leads to burnout, but rest brings restoration. Don’t feel pressured to do everything. Start your day with God’s Word and let Him set the tone.

Let Peace Begin with You

Joy is not the result of a perfect holiday season. It flows from the presence of Christ. Isaiah 9:6 reminds us:

“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given… and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Don’t let the “overs” steal your joy. Protect your peace, refocus your heart, and embrace the true gift of the season, the advent of the Christ child.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with us.