When You Want to Skip the Holidays and Go Straight to January 1st
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RSS Feed Do you ever look at your holiday calendar and secretly wish you could skip ahead to January 1st?
Maybe you love Christmas and Thanksgiving, but you're already feeling the weight of holiday stress, changing family traditions, complicated relationships, or the ache of missing someone you love. You want to enjoy the season, but your mind is racing ahead, anticipating conversations, managing expectations, and wondering how you're going to navigate all those big emotions.
I understand. I've been there, too.
In this episode of the Peace in His Presence podcast, I'm sharing a personal story about Christmas Eve, a pepperoni bread recipe, and the unexpected grief that surfaced as our family traditions began to change. What surprised me wasn't just the sadness I felt. It was how quickly I began criticizing myself for feeling it.
Through God's Word and practical Christian life coaching tools, I've been learning that we don't have to shame ourselves for having difficult emotions. We can approach our thoughts and feelings with compassion and curiosity, recognize what we're carrying, and find comfort in the presence of Jesus.
In this episode, we'll explore:
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Why holiday anxiety and grief can surface even when we love the holidays.
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How changing family traditions can stir up unexpected sadness.
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Why criticizing ourselves for our emotions often adds to our distress.
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A simple coaching practice to help us process difficult feelings with compassion.
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How joy and sorrow can coexist as we rest in God's promises.
One of the simple questions I share is:
"Of course I feel ______ because ______."
Sometimes understanding why we feel something is the beginning of responding to ourselves with compassion instead of criticism.
And here's what I hope you'll remember as you listen:
You don't have to fix how you feel before you can rest in the peace of God's presence.
You're invited to Holiday SOS!
If the holidays tend to stir up anxiety, grief, family stress, or overwhelming emotions, I'd love to invite you to Holiday SOS: Less Stress. Less Drama. More Peace.
Join me for a 90-minute live Christian coaching workshop where we'll explore practical tools, biblical encouragement, and simple strategies to help you navigate the holidays with greater peace.
Monday, November 16, 2026
Special Introductory Price: $7
You'll also receive a Holiday SOS Reflection & Journaling Guide and access to the teaching replay throughout the holiday season.
Because you don't have to have a perfect holiday to experience the peace of God's presence.
Save your seat here: [Holiday SOS registration link]
Scripture for reflection
Psalm 34:18 — The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.
John 11:35 — Jesus wept.
Connect with Michelle
Michelle Diercks is a Master Certified Christian Life Coach, Bible teacher, speaker, author of Promised Rest and Promised Hope, and host of the Peace in His Presence podcast. She helps women understand their anxious thoughts, process difficult emotions, and find rest and hope in God's promises.
Website: https://michellediercks.com