We’ve entered the countdown once again. It’s beginning to look a lot like….
How are you feeling about the fact that the holidays are here? Are you excited—or do you feel like hiding under a pillow until January? – or like Mia my cat?
So many emotions can surface this time of year for so many reasons. Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the invitations, responsibilities, and expectations that come with the “holiday season.” Maybe you’re grieving because this is the first holiday without someone special. Or perhaps you’re simply feeling the weight of unmet expectations—this isn’t how you pictured your life or your holidays to look.
I want you to know that I understand. I may not know your exact situation, but I know the heartache and the heaviness that can come with the holidays. I know what it feels like to spend them completely alone, to not receive gifts or cards, to feel unseen. For me, the season can be especially complicated since my birthday falls right after Thanksgiving. So while I may not fully know where you are, I get it. It’s hard.
Years ago, God gently convicted me that my focus needed to shift during the holidays. Through that process of seeking Him, I’ve learned that being intentional—with my energy, time, self-care, prayer life, Bible reading, and gratitude—is key to not just surviving the holidays, but finding peace and joy in them.
Over the years, I’ve created guides to help me through the holiday season, and others have shared how much these have encouraged them as well. This year, I decided to go all out and create something special—a guide to help us all remember the true reason for the season.
This year’s guide can be sent to a Kindle, printed, or used on an iPad. It includes printable Scripture cards and bookmarks for the season. You can start using it right now to prepare your heart for the holidays, with reflections and activities designed to help you slow down and focus on what matters most. Then, beginning the week of November 17th, you’ll officially start the guided gratitude journaling portion—perfect timing to carry you through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and into the New Year. I’ve also added a section that’s been deeply meaningful to me over the years—a space to process the grief that can surface as the holidays approach. Along with that, you’ll find practical tips to remind you how to care for yourself during this busy time.
It’s so important to be intentional about caring for our mind, body, and spirit during the holidays. You’ll find journaling space, gratitude verses, and prompts to help you stay focused on thanking God for what He has done and what He will do, rather than surrendering to the heaviness that can creep in. There’s also space to bring your feelings honestly before God and invite Him to walk with you through them.
As we look toward the new year, you’ll find a section to pray about what God might have for you—your word, your verse, or what He’s speaking into your heart. It’s a time to thank Him in advance for what He’s going to do.
If you haven’t received that gift, you can learn more about it here. And if you have, I encourage you to take this season to be grateful for your relationship with Jesus and the joy He brings, even in the hard moments.
How will you be intentional about self-care, journaling, gratitude, and grace this season?
Preview the Guide Here
As a token of appreciation for supporting my blog, you can use code: BLACKFRIDAY and get it 50% off in November.
(C) 2025 All Rights Reserved. Susan M. Clabaugh with Encouragement in Daily Living LLC.
Embracing the Journey: A 30-Day Devotional for Living in the Joy of Christ in this Season
No matter what season of life you find yourself in—whether it’s loss, change, or new beginnings—God is still writing your story.
For 30 days, Susan will gently guide you to go deeper in your relationship with God through heartfelt reflections, scripture-based encouragement, and practical steps for daily renewal. Drawing from her own experiences in life’s hard seasons, she offers hope-filled devotionals that invite you to pause, reflect, and rediscover the steadfast joy that only Christ can bring.
Whether you’re navigating job loss, retirement, an empty nest, grief, or transition, Embracing the Journey reminds you that God’s faithfulness never fades—and that beauty and purpose can be found in every chapter of your life.
More info →
Women’s 52-Week Sermon Notes Journal – Red Floral: Record Sermons, Scriptures & Reflections to Deepen Your Faith
Capture the words that move your heart, the verses that speak to your soul, and the prayers that shape your week—all in one beautiful journal designed to deepen your walk with God.
Feel inspired after church—but forget the message by Monday? The 52-Week Sermon Notes Journal helps you hold onto every truth that touches your heart. With guided pages for sermon details, key Scriptures, reflections, and personal prayers, this elegant faith journal turns listening into lasting growth. Perfect for Sunday services, Bible studies, or devotion time, it invites you to record, reflect, and respond to God’s Word each week. Thoughtfully designed with a soft matte cover and organized layout, it’s a meaningful tool for deepening your faith—or a perfect gift for the women in your life who love God’s Word.
More info →
Women’s 52-Week Sermon Notes Journal: Record Sermons, Scriptures & Reflections to Deepen Your Faith
Capture the words that move your heart, the verses that speak to your soul, and the prayers that shape your week—all in one beautiful journal designed to deepen your walk with God.
Feel inspired after church—but forget the message by Monday? The 52-Week Sermon Notes Journal helps you hold onto every truth that touches your heart. With guided pages for sermon details, key Scriptures, reflections, and personal prayers, this elegant faith journal turns listening into lasting growth. Perfect for Sunday services, Bible studies, or devotion time, it invites you to record, reflect, and respond to God’s Word each week. Thoughtfully designed with a soft matte cover and organized layout, it’s a meaningful tool for deepening your faith—or a perfect gift for the women in your life who love God’s Word.
More info →
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