A Holiday Reset for Your Social Media

The holidays have a way of bringing out feelings like no other time of year. Sometimes you feel nostalgia and joy, but other times you feel pressure, anxiety, or even grief. And while we’re navigating all the feels, there’s a hidden source shaping those emotions more than we realize: our screens.

In a world where endless scrolling has become a default habit, it’s easy to forget that your feed is feeding you. During a season when your heart is already tender, overwhelmed, or stretched thin, what you consume online can either support your peace—or steal it. It’s no wonder so many people feel so drained by social media that they want to give up on it entirely.

If that’s you, it makes sense. But if you’re looking for a healthier way to engage with social media without sacrificing your mental health (or the meaning of the season), here are three helpful guidelines.

1. Slow Your Scroll This Season

As you scroll, pause to consider the impact each post is having on your mental and emotional health. Not every post deserves space in your mind or heart.

Ask yourself:

• Does this post make me feel like I’m not enough? (Not rich enough, smart enough, attractive enough, talented enough, or good enough?)
• Does it stir up fear, hopelessness, worry, anger, jealousy, or sadness?
• Does it encourage unhealthy behaviors like avoidance, bingeing, drinking, overworking, or self-harm?
• Does it make me want to buy something I don’t need and haven’t budgeted for? Does it turn Christmas into nothing more than consumerism?

These aren't just passing feelings—they're cues. They help you identify the type of content that doesn't serve your peace, purpose, or priorities.

2. 'Tis the Season to Train Your Algorithm

You can shift your feed by training the algorithm. Here’s how:

• Tap “unfollow,” “hide,” “see less,” or “block” on posts that consistently lead to negativity, insecurity, or temptation.
• If something leaves you anxious or off-center, it's okay to let it go—even if it’s popular, trendy, or from someone you know.
• Choose peace over pressure. Always.

And just as important—keep the good stuff.

• When you come across content that uplifts you, encourages your spirit, or aligns with your values, engage with it. Look for content that keeps Jesus at the center of Christmas, that’s what we want more of!
• Tap the three dots and add it to your favorites.
• Like, comment, save, or share—each interaction teaches the algorithm to show you more of that life-giving content.

3. Let the Reason for the Season Shape Your Feed

Let Philippians 4:8 be your filter:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Social media doesn’t have to be a source of stress or comparison. With intention and discernment, it can become a place of truth, joy, and encouragement.

So the next time you scroll, don’t just consume—curate. You’re not just training the algorithm. You’re training your mind and spirit to focus on what truly matters and helping to keep Jesus as the reason for the season.

More All the Feels Series Resources