1) Put All of Your Focus on Gifts. This is the perfect way to stress yourself out and distract yourself from more important things. When selecting items to give, please be sure to worry about buying the perfect gift. When thinking about receiving gifts, just think of the disappointment when you open a gift that isn’t really what you wanted. Think about how all gifts tend to wear out, and break over time. I mean in general the things of this world do not satisfy. As we grow up our gifts get shiner and more expensive, and they still leave us feeling unfulfilled.

Verse to ignore: 1 Corinthians 7:31b “For this world in its present form is passing away.”

2) Rack Up Some Debt. Hey it’s Christmastime, empty that wallet and then charge it up. I mean this one closely relates to our first principle. But the advice here is to splurge first, ask questions later. And just think it won’t matter… until January when that credit card bill comes in.

Verse to ignore: Proverbs 22:7 “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”

3) Isolate Yourself. Be sure to stay inside all by yourself. Stay clear of church, you are too tired anyway, and you might catch a cold from all those snotty little kids. Also, do not go to any family reunions or work Christmas parties. If you are feeling tempted, just picture that one person you don’t like and remember that you are bound to run into them at the event. Let’s just all agree to ignore the theological and biological fact that we are social creatures (yes, even you introverts out there).

Verses to ignore: Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

4) Rush Around Everywhere. The goal here is to remain so busy rushing from place to place that you don’t have any time to reflect on the meaning of Christmas. Given our current society, this should be an easy one to accomplish.

Verse to ignore: Psalm 46:10 “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’”

5) Keep, Start, or Renew Grudges with Friends and Family. This one could have the most impact if you are looking to truly have a terrible Christmas.

Verse to ignore: Leviticus 19:18 “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”

If these 5 don’t guarantee a successful terrible Christmas, I invite you to create a 6th. My church family came up with things like: whining, complaining, bringing up politics, being ungrateful, unforgiving, and my personal favorite Be Sure to Always Compare Yourself to Others.

Blessings to you and yours during this Advent season!

Thanks for journeying with me!