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Today’s lifestyles find us stressed out and filled with anxiety during the time of year that should be the most serene. The time we looked forward to as children, and had a yearly countdown to “the big day” has suddenly become a time of tension in our adult lives.
Many times, the period between Thanksgiving and January 2nd finds us constantly transient, trying to out-do a relative or a neighbor in anything from entertaining to decorating. Trying to make everything that touches our lives during this six week period “perfect.”
This might be a good time to realize that perfection isn’t always a desired effect. There are shortcuts that just might offer us some time to reflect and realize what this grandest of all holiday seasons should be about. Peace. Whether or not one has a personal religious belief, the holiday season should speak peace.
What is one of most time-consuming activities of the season? If it’s shopping and waiting in line, remember that much shopping can now be done online through the internet. If not available, catalog shopping offers quiet time without fighting the multitude of other stressed shoppers. Many people pick up items throughout the year for Christmas gift giving.
Perhaps most stress comes from entertaining? Why not combine groups of people? It would be a larger gathering, but only one preparation instead of many. Is there any reason why your church group and your siblings can’t attend the same holiday gathering?
Is decorating what takes most of your time? Make a large pot of chili or prepare make-your-own tacos fixings, and invite family or friends to help decorate the house. It can all be done in one day if others pitch in.
Perhaps baking turns into a stressful event. I’ve found that there really isn’t a need for a dozen different cookie types just because that many were baked last year. Ask each family member for their favorite Christmas cookie and make those. The baking can be turned into a family event and done in one afternoon, or spread out over a few days if doing it all at once is a stress.
Things like addressing cards can be done earlier in the year and as soon as cards are displayed in the store. That seems to be getting earlier each year and if they are signed and addressed before Thanksgiving, only a personal note can be added, if desired, when it’s time to mail them.
By de-stressing some of these “necessary evils” of the holiday season, you just may find that there is spare time for a bubble bath with scented candle in the room, or maybe caroling or a quiet drive to look at the lights. Perhaps reading Christmas stories or singing carols with spouse or children?
With a little bit of preparation ahead of time, this truly can be a time of personal peace and there will even be a silent night or two feasible.
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