Today is Thanksgiving, a holiday with a short history as holiday’s go (it started in 1863). As a national holiday it is intended to bring us back to the center of what our nation is all about: freedom, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Most of us don’t limit our thankfulness to what we appreciate about our country alone, nor should we. Today we all should take a time out and think of all that we are truly thankful for. Perhaps even write them down so you can review the list when times get tough, because during the holidays times do have a tendency to become difficult, frustrating and stressful.

Perhaps that’s why today also begins what is commonly referred to as Suicide Season. According to a recent report (from Trust for America’s Health, a non-profit organization) 35 states saw youth drug overdoses make a dramatic increase over the last decade, so much so that in 2013 drug overdoses overtook automobile accidents as the leading cause of death. And we’re not talking about illegal drugs as much as prescription drugs, which accounted for more than half of overdoses in 2013. These are pain killers and other pharmaceuticals that are probably in your medicine cabinet.

The hopelessness that drives one to suicide is in direct opposition to the meaning of Thanksgiving and the hope that Christmas is supposed to inspire. So what is going on? There are many stressors during the holiday’s mostly associated with having to keep up with life in the time left over from preparing for the holidays. Time management is key this time of year and can do a lot to reduce stress. Even if you have never used a day timer before, mow might be a good time to start. Even if you give it up after the holidays, it can help keep you focused on what is most important.

Holidays mean holiday parties, and holiday parties mean standing around with a lot of people you barely know. Plan a few small conversations to strike up to make it less awkward (and to ward off the stress that comes with it), and there is no shame in leaving early. Try to plan your conversations around the meaning of the season, if possible. When telling people about Jesus and your faith, less is more. It will definitely help you keep to a shorter timetable, and you never know where those conversations might lead later. This kind of evangelism is just for planting seeds, not to win that person over in a single night.

Family can be a stressor too, and once more a little pre-planning can help avoid family fights. Plan family time around holiday traditions, both personal and maybe a new one. Our Christmas guide, which will be available this Sunday, might help keep the family united around the One who broke down the wall of hostility between man and God. After all, it is his birthday we’re celebrating. What could be more natural?

With everything on your plate this season remember that you serve the Prince of Peace. Short meditations can help you decompress and meet every challenge the way Jesus did, with compassion care and love. And there is no better passage to think on than Isaiah 9.6:

For a child has been born to us,
a son has been given to us.
He shoulders responsibility
and is called:
Extraordinary Strategist,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.

That sure sounds like someone to be thankful for to me.