In this episode of Hope for the Journey, Monica Schmelter discusses the gifts that cost nothing but mean everything, especially during the holiday season. She emphasizes the importance of kindness, forgiveness, peace, friendship, love, and family, culminating in the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, she encourages listeners to reflect on these gifts and their significance in their lives, particularly during challenging times.

Takeaways

Gifts that cost nothing can have profound meaning.
Kindness can be as simple as offering help to others.
Forgiveness is essential for personal peace and relationships.
Peace is a gift that can be shared with others.
Friendship provides support and joy during tough times.
Love is the foundation of all meaningful relationships.
Family is a God-given gift that fosters belonging.
Celebrating Jesus is the core of the Christmas season.
Traditions can help keep the focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
It's important to reach out to those who may feel lonely during the holidays.

Online Extras & Resources

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In this episode of Hope for the Journey, Monica Schmelter discusses the importance of embracing the holiday spirit by doing less and enjoying more. She emphasizes that holiday magic comes from being present rather than overdoing it and shares practical strategies for women over 40 to reclaim joy during the holiday season. Monica encourages listeners to set boundaries, focus on what truly matters, and find freedom in simplifying their holiday traditions.


Holiday magic comes from being present, not doing more.
Women often face cultural and family expectations during the holidays.
Doing less can lead to more joy and less burnout.
Setting boundaries is essential for a fulfilling holiday experience.
It's okay to say no without feeling guilty.
Focus on three meaningful holiday activities and let the rest go.
Grief can impact holiday joy; it's important to acknowledge it.
Creating new traditions can help in processing loss.
Doing less is a way to protect your heart during the holidays.
Finding joy in simple pleasures can enhance the holiday experience.

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The holiday season often arrives wrapped in expectations—traditions to uphold, gatherings to organize, and memories we hope to recreate. But life is never static. Children grow. Circumstances shift. Loved ones move across states… or even across oceans. In this episode of Hope for the Journey, Monica Schmelter explores how embracing flexibility can transform our holiday experience and keep our hearts centered on Christ.

As a self-described recovering “control freak,” Monica shares how letting go of rigid expectations opened her hands to receive the grace God is offering right now. Drawing from personal stories—including celebrating Christmas early with her adult son before he travels abroad—and insights from Hope for the Journey guests, she reminds us that the true heart of Christmas remains unchanged: Christ has come. When we release the pressure for perfection, we make space for peace, connection, and gratitude. Flexibility becomes a spiritual posture, a way of loving others well, and a reminder that God’s joy isn’t fragile. From store-bought dinners to unexpected schedule shifts, the imperfect moments often become the sacred ones.

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