Survive the Holidays: Handle Difficult Family with Grace and Peace

Good morning,

Christmas is beautiful, magical, and sometimes... messy. For many, this season brings joy and connection with loved ones. For others, the thought of family gatherings stirs up stress, anxiety, or even dread.

Family can be complicated. Even in the most loving homes, tensions rise, old wounds surface, and messy relationships come into full view. So, how do we, as followers of Christ, show His love to difficult family members without losing our peace?

This Week’s Focus: Loving Difficult Family Members

The key to navigating challenging family dynamics isn’t about avoiding conflict or forcing perfection—it’s about leaning into Christ’s love, grace, and wisdom. Here are six practical steps to help you thrive in your family gatherings this season:

1) Remember God’s Grace for You

When we were enemies of God, Christ died for us. His love wasn’t conditional on us getting it right. Extend that same grace to your family, even when they don’t deserve it.

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, ESV)

2) Stand Firm in Your Identity

Your worth is in Christ, not the opinions of your family. If old stories or cutting remarks surface, choose to rest in what God says about you rather than reacting to others’ words.

Action Step: Take a moment before gatherings to remind yourself of your identity in Christ.

3) Choose Your Battles Wisely

Not every comment or conflict needs a response. Save your energy for the moments that truly matter, and let the smaller frustrations go. Be slow to take offense and quick to forgive.

Action Step: Before reacting, ask yourself, “Is this the hill I’m willing to die on?”

4) Set Boundaries on Your Time

Jesus often withdrew to be alone with the Father. Follow His example and carve out moments of silence and rest to recharge during the chaos.

Action Step: Take a walk or spend quiet time in prayer on Christmas Day to reset your emotions and connect with God.

5) Don’t Go It Alone

Whether it’s a spouse, sibling, or trusted friend, find someone to process with before and after family gatherings. Pray together and create a plan for how to handle tricky situations.

6) Be a Light in the Room

You carry the presence of God wherever you go. Don’t let negativity define the atmosphere. Pray for your family before you arrive. Share encouragement, speak life, and believe for God to work in even the most challenging relationships.

“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26, NIV)

Share the Blessing:
This email isn’t just for you—think of a friend or family member who could use these words of encouragement. Forward it to them or invite them to subscribe at growgreaterfaith.com.

P.S. Next week, we’ll explore how to find peace after the holiday hustle. Don’t miss it!

Blessings,
Joshua Weisbrod
Founder, Grow Greater Faith