After-Christmas Blues?

Got the after-Christmas blues?

Charles Dickens said, “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” But circumstances in life can rob us of our joy. If you’re feeling blue because Christmas is over,  the bills are accumulating, and you’ve gained 5 pounds…. then you need to reset. Thank God for this season and see it as a time to prepare for a new year. Set specific short- and long-term goals. Then prepare a budget for the next 12 months. Plan ahead for next Christmas by opening a special bank account with automatic deposits. Plan to reduce or totally escape from debt. Be proactive and face the new year with hope and energy. Rise above your emotions by praising God. Thank Him for the way He carried you through this year. Praise Him for the lessons you’ve learned and the trials you’ve encountered. He loves you and desires that you grow in character and hope. He’s promised to work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to his purposes.

So face the future with expectancy and renewed purpose. Let go of fear, anger, loss, self-pity and guilt. Forgive those who’ve wronged you as God has forgiven you. Feed on the Truth. Fill your heart and mind with God’s Word. Resolve to see the new year through the lens of an eternal perspective. When you wisely steward what the Lord provides, you can laugh at the days to come and put away those after-Christmas blues!

If you’ve been helped by My MoneyLife, I invite you to partner with Crown so more people have access to these teachings. Your gift before December 31st will be doubled through our matching challenge, and you can receive my new booklet as a thank you. Call 800-722-1976 or visit crown.org.