‘Tis the season to splurge, right? From our favorite Holiday foods and lattes to decorations and shopping, there are certainly temptations to live more lavishly than normal. And if you’re like me, it’s easy to justify our excesses as we vow to do better starting in January.

But there are a few extravagances in which we should indulge, especially during this season of thankfulness and giving. What if we indulge in:

Relishing God’s abundant love and mercy toward us.

Forgiving and offering grace toward everyone we encounter.

Seeking His peace, wisdom, and strength.

Loving others in word and deed.

Praising God for who He is and all He does.

Sharing a smile or a hug.

Listening well and building a bridge of understanding.

A great list of indulgences, wouldn’t you agree? There are a few items that would be best to restrict from our diets during this time of year. Here’s my recommendation of habits to curb:

Grumbling

Gossiping

Anger

Bitterness

Let’s choose to make it a joyful Holiday Season, not because of the outward fluff of food, gifts, and decorations, but rather the inward qualities of a Christlike spirit. Let’s indulge ourselves in Him.

In Him we have redemption through His blood,

the forgiveness of sins,

in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

that he lavished on us.

Ephesians 1:7

Photo by Diliara Garifullina on Unsplash