Christmas, a time of joy and togetherness, can also serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of forgiveness and the ability to let go of past grievances. Forgive and Forget at Christmas is the perfect occasion, a chance to bring love, peace, and goodwill towards all, and it’s during this time that we should strive to embody these values in our interactions with others.
Christmas is an ideal time to practice forgiveness and forgetting. It’s a time to let go of old grudges, to mend relationships, and to start anew. By doing so, we not only honor the true spirit of Christmas but also create a more peaceful and loving environment for ourselves and our loved ones. Remember, forgiveness is a journey, not a destination. It takes time and patience, but the peace and freedom it brings are well worth the effort.
Forgiveness is a gift, not just to the person you forgive, but also to yourself. Holding onto resentment and anger can be emotionally draining. By choosing to forgive, you free yourself from the burden of these negative emotions. It’s important to remember that forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or condoning the wrong that was done to you. Rather, it’s about releasing the hold that these past hurts have on you, allowing you to move forward.
Forgetting, in the context of forgiveness, doesn’t mean erasing the memory of what happened. It means choosing not to dwell on the pain and instead focusing on the present and the future. It’s about acknowledging the past without letting it dictate your present or future interactions. This can be particularly challenging when dealing with family members during the holiday season, as old wounds can easily be reopened. However, making a conscious decision to forgive and forget can lead to more peaceful and enjoyable family gatherings.
Have you ever fantasized about experiencing a Christmas straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting, where everyone is harmoniously singing Christmas carols and the house is filled with joy? Unfortunately, your Christmas recollections are often marred by Uncle Ben’s inebriation and the inevitable quarrel between your parents. By the time Christmas day comes to a close, family members are upset and communication has ceased.
Christmas can be particularly challenging if your upbringing was marked by a dysfunctional family environment and you decide to return home for the holidays. More often than not, the holiday season exacerbates the worst aspects of families rather than bringing out their best. Long-standing disputes that were never settled are rekindled. Old wounds that you believed had healed are abruptly reopened.
Seek divine guidance and try to forgive and forget at Christmas for the discernment to know when to voice your thoughts and when to maintain silence. Often, you won’t emerge victorious from age-old disputes. Is it worth engaging in the conflict?
Maintain realistic expectations about the events that will transpire at your family gathering. We frequently fantasize and anticipate that things will change, only to have our dreams shattered once more.
Restrict your exposure or opt not to subject yourself to harmful situations. If you or your children are at risk of physical or emotional harm, you might need to consider staying home.
Cherish and spend time with your “chosen family”. It’s common for individuals from dysfunctional families to have extremely close friends who feel like family. I’ve heard numerous people tell me about a friend who is akin to a sister or a mother to them. You might decide to celebrate Christmas with your “chosen family”.
Keep in mind that your heavenly Father loves you unconditionally and that He can fulfill your needs, even when your earthly family falls short.
Understand that there is a distinction between forgiveness and acceptance of actions. You have the capacity and should forgive family members and others who have caused you pain. However, this doesn’t imply that their actions were acceptable. Moreover, you can be wary of placing yourself in situations where you could be emotionally or physically harmed again.
Don’t be overly critical of yourself. You might have made significant strides in your personal spiritual and emotional development, only to find that when you return home, you’re back at square one. Dysfunctional family dynamics exert a powerful influence. You can readjust yourself when you return to your own home.
Make a deliberate decision to raise your children and lead your life in a healthier family environment. Determine what new traditions that honor Christ you want to establish for your family.
Be receptive to and cognizant of other individuals who come from troubled families. You have a narrative that you might choose to share about the healing that has transpired for you. You can offer others hope.
Be mindful that your addictions might resurface. These could encompass overspending, overeating, drinking, or drug use. We often attempt to alleviate our emotional distress by overspending or overeating.
During Christmas, we are reminded of the ultimate act of forgiveness when God sent His son to redeem mankind. This act of divine forgiveness serves as a model for us to follow in our own lives. As we celebrate Christmas, we can choose to extend forgiveness to those who have wronged us, just as we have been forgiven.
Above all, I pray that you will treat yourself with kindness. Maintain realistic expectations of what Christmas will be like for your family, Always forgive and forget at Christmas. Create positive memories with your own family or your “chosen family”. Remember that Mary’s first Christmas probably didn’t go as she had anticipated. She likely didn’t plan on giving birth to Jesus in a barn, but what a blessed and glorious night it turned out to be. May God be your source of peace and joy this Christmas!
Naorem Mohen is full time Blogger and helps parent improve their parenting skills, resulting in better relationships with their children. He also provides guidance to individuals and couples to enhance their relationships and communication. Naorem supports people in need to help them in their personal growth, helping them set and achieve meaningful goals.
