Christmas

The Christmas Story We Live: God’s Gifts Along Our Hardest Journeys

anny@familybridgesusa.org — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:58:42 +0000

The Christmas Story We Live: God’s Gifts Along Our Hardest Journeys

anny@familybri… Wed, 12/10/2025 - 14:58

Dec 10, 2025

Ever taken a long road trip that left you completely drained by the time you finally pulled into a hotel or reached your destination? I remember one in particular: three full days on the road while I was eight months pregnant. I had just learned my father only had a few days to live, and since flying was no longer an option, my husband and sister committed to driving with me down to Florida. We stopped every two hours so I could stretch and walk a bit, and even then it was grueling, when you’re that far along, everything feels like a hurdle. Yet each night, I knew I could look forward to a warm bath and a soft bed waiting for me.

It’s almost impossible to fully grasp what Mary must have felt, arriving at the end of that exhausting journey only to be turned away. Imagine those final miles, every step heavier than the last, clinging to the hope that somewhere ahead there would be a room, a bed, a safe place to rest, only to be met with the crushing words: there’s no room for you here.

What a profound gratitude that finally a resting place opened up, albeit a humble stable. And soon after, the shepherds and the Magi arrived, rejoicing and bearing witness to the birth of Jesus.

After all they had endured, I can only imagine how deeply Joseph and Mary must have cherished the arrival of these unexpected, heaven-sent guests rejoicing with them, affirming God’s care and worshiping with them.

Six years ago, our whole family flew to the Dominican Republic to celebrate my grandmother’s 100th birthday. But almost as soon as we arrived, my daughter spiked a fever and she had to stay back at the hotel with my husband. The next day her temperature rose and fell unpredictably, yet we pressed on with our plans, traveling four hours away to a smaller town where we were scheduled to lead several of our programs and trainings. We went with some friends including a physician, which gave us a measure of comfort, believing he would guide us if her condition worsened.

During the long bus ride, her fever refused to break, and when we finally arrived, our local partners were running late. It was just one of several setbacks that slowed our efforts to get her to a hospital. In that swirl of fear and uncertainty, the calm, steady presence of a kind, confident pediatrician, who gently told us it was pneumonia and explained the treatment, became an anchor for us, quieting our fears and steadying our hearts right when we needed it most.

Even after she was admitted, the trials didn’t stop. Hurricane Maria threatened the island, our team was urging us to leave as soon as possible, and we were trying to honor our commitments while our six-year-old lay in a hospital bed. In the middle of it all, during a simple coffee break in the hallway, a nurse coming on shift caught sight of my distress. She paused, checked in, and with just a few compassionate words, ministered to my heart and lifted my weary spirit.

The day before we departed, we managed to facilitate a seminar with couples that had gathered from about ten churches from the surrounding village. It was the first time that the couples came together for such an occasion and they put aside the threat of an impending hurricane to do so. Their engagement and gratitude ministered to us that day.

On the bus ride back, one of the passengers suddenly rose to his feet and, with a voice full of conviction, poured out words from the depths of his heart seeking to calm everyone from the fear and anxiety piercing the air because of the hurricane. And even in the final hours of our journey, sitting in a small airport restaurant, a gentle worker noticed my daughter’s coughing fit, searched for honey and lemon, and lovingly mixed a remedy just for her.

It felt like a sacred relay of kindness, each person taking their turn to carry us when we were too weary to move forward on our own. Every encounter became a living testimony of His favor, a series of providential appointments, handpicked by God, to surround our family with care at every step of the journey.

I hadn’t met a single one of these kind strangers before this trip, just as Mary and Joseph had never met the shepherds or the Magi, yet, like them, each one responded to God’s nudge and stepped into our story at exactly the right moment.

There are seasons when God invites us to open our arms, offering hospitality, extending kindness, and rejoicing with others in the middle of their struggle. And there are seasons when we find ourselves on the other side of that grace, the ones in desperate need of being carried, comforted, and cared for.

Looking back, can you trace God’s hand and purposes through seasons that confounded your understanding?

As we enter this Christmas season, may I invite you to draw close to Jesus and to pay attention to the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit, to be a shepherd to the weary traveler, and a Magi who freely offers generous gifts. Christmas is, at its heart, a story of lavish generosity and profound redemption—God with us. Because of Him, we can trust that every struggle and every hard road has meaning, and we can rest in the hope we have in Christ.

On life’s journeys, we may lose our luggage, our temper, our self-control, even our sense of direction but because of Christmas, we never lose our hope.

by Alicia La Hoz, Psy.D.

Language English

From Pumpkin Spice to Presents: Maintaining Your Sanity this Holiday Season

Sara — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 16:26:18 +0000

From Pumpkin Spice to Presents: Maintaining Your Sanity this Holiday Season

Sara Tue, 09/26/2023 - 11:26

Nov 1, 2023

I absolutely LOVE this time of year. From Halloween spookiness to Thanksgiving warmth to Christmas magic, it's a wonderful time when joy, laughter and heartwarming moments with loved ones take center stage. But let's be real; it's not all about pumpkin spice lattes and cheesy Hallmark movies. This time of year can be a bit overwhelming.

Fear not, though! I'm here to give you some tips to help you easily glide through this festive season: early preparation. So, whether you're eagerly planning Thanksgiving recipes or gearing up for the Christmas rush, grab your favorite cozy beverage, get snug and let's dive into some practical tips for getting ready for all the upcoming holidays.

Set a Realistic Budget

Now, let's talk about everyone's favorite topic during the holiday season – the budget. We get it; it's easy to get carried away with all the festive cheer and overspend. But guess what? Overspending can be a one-way ticket to holiday stressville.

Here's the deal: create a budget as real as your love for that pumpkin spice latte. Think about everything you'll need to spend on – gifts, decorations, travel, and maybe even hosting a get together or two. Once your budget is ready, the trick is simple: stick to it. It's not just about having a budget; it's about getting specific. Allocate certain amounts for each category so you're not left scratching your head when unexpected expenses pop up. Trust us; this one step can save you a ton of stress.

And, for those looking to go above and beyond, consider setting up a dedicated savings account specifically for the holiday season. It might not be feasible to begin right now, but as you look ahead to next year, consider putting aside some cash every month. This way, when the holiday season rolls around, you'll have the funds readily available and won't have to worry about stretching your budget.

Make a Gift List

Remember that feeling when you realize you've forgotten someone's gift on Christmas Eve? Yeah, we've all been there, and it's not fun. So, let's nip that in the bud with a good ol' gift list.

Grab a notepad, or use your smartphone, and list all the people you plan to surprise with gifts. And don't forget to jot down some gift ideas for each of them. It's not just about being organized; it's about being smart. This way, you can keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and deals.

And don't shun away from going the extra mile with handmade or personalized gifts. They often hold more sentimental value than your regular store-bought items. Plus, they're a great way to showcase your creativity and thoughtfulness.

Start Shopping Early

Picture this: It's December, you're rushing from store to store, and every shelf is empty. Not a pretty sight, right? Well, we've got a solution – start your holiday shopping now (if you can)!

Once you've got that gift list and budget down pat, why not start shopping months in advance? You'll dodge the crowded stores and the dreaded "out of stock" dilemma by spreading out your purchases over several months. And don't forget about the wonders of online shopping; it's like having a holiday wonderland at your fingertips. You can find unique gifts and jump on those early bird deals.

Plan Your Schedule

Ah, the holiday hustle and bustle! But it doesn't have to be chaotic. Here's a trick: plan your schedule well in advance.

Create a calendar that outlines all your holiday-related tasks and commitments. Whether it's buying a turkey, decorating your home or attending all those parties, it's all there. This way, you'll have a clear picture of your holiday workload and can avoid overcommitting. And hey, set aside some quality time for self-care and relaxation. After all, the holidays should be enjoyable, not exhausting.

Delegate Tasks

You're not a one-person holiday orchestra, and that's perfectly okay. Remember, it's about togetherness and collaboration, not about doing everything yourself.

So, go ahead and delegate tasks to family members or enlist the help of friends. Decorating the house, preparing that holiday feast, or organizing gatherings – these are all tasks that can be shared. It's not just about lightening your workload; it's about fostering that sense of togetherness and teamwork that makes the holidays so special.

Consider Digital Tools

Let's talk tech, shall we? Search holiday prep apps and you'll find quite a few to help make holiday prep a breeze.

Think about using apps and digital tools for shopping lists, budget tracking, and scheduling reminders. These tools are like little holiday elves, helping you stay organized and ensuring you don't forget important tasks or appointments.

One of my favorites is the Elfster app. It makes organizing gift swaps, like Secret Santa, with your friends, family, or coworkers a piece of cake. You get to be the gift-giving maestro – create your event, set the rules, and even pick the perfect date. The app does the behind-the-scenes magic, secretly matching everyone up with their Secret Santa. Plus, you can make a wish list so your Secret Santa knows exactly what you're wishing for. Elfster lets you shop for gifts inside the app, making your holiday shopping adventures much less hectic.

Embrace the tech magic!

Embrace the Spirit of Simplicity

Now, let's get real about the holiday spirit. It's not about keeping up with the neighbors' decorations or out-gifting your friends; it's about the love and joy you share with your loved ones.

Sure, it's easy to get caught up in the frenzy of gift-giving and elaborate preparations. But sometimes, simplicity can lead to a more meaningful and stress-free holiday experience. Focus on what truly matters – the smiles, the laughter, the moments you create together. And don't be afraid to scale back on the extras if it means a more enjoyable season for you and your family.

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

So, there you have it – your stress-reduction guide to preparing for the holiday season. Start early, stick to your budget, and prioritize your well-being and the happiness of your loved ones. With careful planning and a focus on what truly matters, you'll be well on your way to a joyful and stress-free holiday season. After all, that's what the holidays are all about – love, joy, and being together. Happy holidays!

by Sarah Pichardo

Language English

Christmas

The Christmas Story We Live: God’s Gifts Along Our Hardest Journeys

From Pumpkin Spice to Presents: Maintaining Your Sanity this Holiday Season

Faith, Resilience, and the Gentle Strength of Encouragement

From Pumpkin Spice to Presents: Maintaining Your Sanity this Holiday Season

Set a Realistic Budget

Make a Gift List

Start Shopping Early

Plan Your Schedule

Delegate Tasks

Consider Digital Tools

Embrace the Spirit of Simplicity

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

Hot Chocolate and Shared Stories

Where Did all the Money Go? Making a Budget