#139: ‘Tis the Season: Ask a Counselor: Holiday Gatherings Edition with LPC Sara Peters

Grace In Real Life podcast

As we interact with family members we only see a few times a year, and those who may hold political views or perspectives 180 degrees opposite of us, we see our humanity, our sin, our frailty, and our cracks more clearly now than at any other time of the year. We are especially conscious of wanting to be healthy and whole, and to act out of love, not fear of missing out or obligation during these weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

It’s like every issue or frustration or shame or guilt comes to light during the height of the emotions and togetherness of the season. How can we be gracious and act in love?

In this conversation, Sara shares Jesus-centered wisdom about

• What’s really going on when you feel pressure to make every moment magical,
• How to give yourself permission to opt out of every holiday invitation
• Ways to host family members who think and vote differently than you do
• How to ask for help during the holidays without being bossy or passive-aggressive.

Key Quotes

• “Hosting means task orientation becomes king.” - LPC Sara Peters
• “You cannot do it all and be a good guest.” - LPC Sara Peters
• “If may feel awkward, but you are limited.”- LPC Sara Peters
• “Ask for God’s sovereignty to override our own individual differences at a family gathering.” - LPC Sara Peters
• “As the hostess, you are not in charge of how everyone behaves or how they speak or what they do.” - LPC Sara Peters
• “In every moment you engage with your family, you have the opportunity to be a co-creator with Christ to bring His kingdom on this earth through your interactions with your family.” - LPC Sara Peters
• “Enjoying everything together includes you.” - LPC Sara Peters
• “Respect their ‘no.’” - LPC Sara Peters
• “Do I want to be right, or do I want to be happy? Is this an interaction worth having?” - LPC Sara Peters

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• #91: How to slow down without opting out with Jodi Grubbs
• #92: Our God of tables and togetherness
• #94: Advent: The Lord is coming!
• #95: Advent: The story of Mary + Joseph
• #96: Advent: The shepherds + the wise men
• Finding a Christian counselor
• #126: God, grace + emotions: Overcoming guilt with grace with Sara Peters

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