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December 12, 2025<\/span><\/p>\n The Little Foxes That (Try To) Ruin Christmas<\/strong><\/span> Lee en espa\u00f1ol<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cCatch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.\u201d Song of Songs 2:15 (NIV)<\/em><\/p>\n My children\u2019s expressions range from disappointed to downright irritated.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy did you make plans for tomorrow?\u201d Kid 1 aims an accusing look at a sibling. \u201cWe\u2019re supposed to have a cozy family night with games, hot chocolate, and Christmas music by the tree.\u201d<\/p>\n Kid 2 looks defensive. \u201cNo one told me!\u201d<\/p>\n Kid 3 pipes up. \u201cWe can\u2019t play games \u2014 we still have eight Christmas movies on our must-watch list.\u201d<\/p>\n Kid 4 shakes her head. \u201cNo movies! We still have to decorate our gingerbread house and Christmas cookies.\u201d<\/p>\n Ever been there? Holiday expectations sky-high, emotions even higher? Before you know it, your loved ones are shouting more than just \u201cfa la la,\u201d and all their holiday goodwill is buried in the snow.<\/p>\n Although we usually associate the book Song of Songs with romantic love, it also contains insights that strengthen other relationships, from friendships to family dynamics. In today\u2019s key verse, for instance, Solomon wrote, \u201cCatch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom\u201d<\/em> (Song of Songs 2:15).<\/p>\n If God wants our relationships to be like vineyards \u2014 beautiful gardens producing abundant fruit of the Spirit \u2014 then \u201clittle foxes\u201d<\/em> are the annoyances that sneak in to sabotage our unity, joy, and peace. In my experience, the holidays attract more foxes than any other time of year.<\/p>\n Those foxes may range from mismatched expectations to financial strain, plus the stress of cramming 537 events into a too-short season, the challenge of juggling complex in-law or blended family dynamics, and the pressure to create a \u201cperfect\u201d holiday \u2014 all while keeping Christ at the center of Christmas.<\/p>\n Relationship conflict and overwhelm at Christmastime can occur with friends, roommates, co-workers, and extended family too. So how do we protect our vineyards from little foxes?<\/p>\n We find a clue in the lines preceding our key verse: \u201cMy dove\u2026 show me your face, let me hear your voice \u2026\u201d<\/em> (Song of Songs 2:14, NIV). Many misunderstandings can be prevented by clear communication.<\/p>\n Our family usually sits down in early December to clarify our expectations, responsibilities, and calendar. We discuss questions like: How do we want this season to feel? What experiences and traditions feel most important?<\/p>\n Little foxes can also be the small conflicts, sharp tones, thoughtless words, and selfish behaviors that strain relationships during hectic times. To capture these conflict-foxes, we can look to Philippians 2:3b-4: \u201cRather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others\u201d<\/em> (NIV). What a beautiful reminder to imitate the Lord\u2019s selfless, humble heart.<\/p>\n We all long for a Christmas season filled with the season\u2019s best fruits: joy to the world, peace on earth, goodwill to all. If we keep catching foxes, we\u2019ll enjoy more of this harvest.<\/p>\n Father, we long to make meaningful memories as we celebrate Jesus\u2019 birth. So we can fully celebrate, please help us catch the foxes seeking to steal our joy. In Jesus\u2019 Name, Amen.<\/em><\/p>\n The holidays are almost here \u2026 but there\u2019s still time to give a gift that truly matters. \ud83c\udf81 Our Christmas Collection<\/strong> is filled with meaningful devotionals and thoughtful gifts designed to encourage hearts and point them back to God\u2019s Word. From Truth-filled resources to beautiful items made to bless the people you love most, every piece in this curated collection helps you share hope this holiday season. But don\u2019t wait \u2014 this is your last chance<\/strong> to order in time for Christmas delivery! With gifts under $50, $25, and even $15, you\u2019ll find something special for everyone on your list. Imagine the joy of giving more than just a wrapped package \u2014 giving encouragement that lasts long after the season is over. Make this Christmas one they\u2019ll never forget. Shop the Christmas Collection today, and be sure your gifts arrive right on time!<\/p>\n The weeks leading up to Christmas can feel like a blur \u2014 full schedules, long lists, and constant noise. But Advent invites us to slow down and remember what\u2019s true: Before there were lights or gifts or plans, there was Jesus \u2014 the promise of hope, peace, joy, and love for a weary world. This December, join Wendy Blight, Ellen Adkins, and host Kaley Olson on The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast<\/em> for a special four-part Advent series releasing each Tuesday before Christmas. Each week, they\u2019ll share honest, hope-filled conversations to help you pause in the middle of it all and remember why we celebrate. Whether you\u2019re listening on your drive, while wrapping gifts, or by sneaking in a quiet moment with your coffee, these episodes will help you refocus your heart on the One who came near \u2014 and who\u2019s still with you now. Listen to the latest episode, and subscribe so you\u2019ll be the first to know when new Advent episodes release.<\/p>\n Elizabeth sends Bible studies and devotions to her newsletter friends, and she\u2019d love to connect on Instagram, and her website, where you can find out more about her books, including All the Feels for Teens: The Good, the Not-So-Good, and the Utterly Confusing.<\/em><\/p>\n Isaiah 9:6, \u201cFor to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace\u201d (NIV).<\/p>\n Galatians 5:22-26, \u201cBut the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other\u201d (NIV).<\/p>\n What Scriptures or strategies help you to remain peaceful and savor unstressed time with loved ones during the busy holiday season? Share your thoughts in the comments.<\/p>\n \u00a9 2025 by Elizabeth Laing Thompson. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n Photo Credit: \u00a9Unsplash\/terra_gallery<\/span><\/p>\n Proverbs 31 Ministries
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