Hello, Wonderful People!
It is hard to believe but Thanksgiving is only a couple of days away. The holiday season is in full swing with so much going on all at one time. Thanksgiving this week, and then Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are not far behind. And, oh, don’t forget about New Year’s Eve / Day to finish off the season. It is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. But it can also be the least joyful time of the year for many people.
During the last six weeks of the year, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, there are more parties, gatherings, and reasons to celebrate. From work parties to family dinners to church celebrations, it can be easy to be swept away in a non-stop mode. Not to mention, buying gifts for your family and friends and finding that right item to give them. And it seems that each event is centered around food, large amounts of food.
It can cause unneeded stress for people and their joy is soon gone. But using these five simple tips, you will be able to keep your joy and your peace, and it will help you enjoy the holiday season. Please know that each of these suggestions are interconnected and can be applied to each area of advice.
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
Don’t Stress It
This is easier said than done, I will admit that. Stress levels climb when we feel that we are no longer in control of the situation and there is no way to fix it. Whether it is fitting every party in your schedule or buying a gift for everyone on your list, you have to put some limits in place. When you feel your stress levels increasing, take a step back and assess the situation to see what is causing the stress? Could it be two parties on the same night and you can’t go to both? Could it be a family gathering out of town and it means making special arrangements to get there? Whatever the situation, look at what objectively and say to yourself, ‘I will not sacrifice my peace to please other people.’ If you can’t make it both parties, just pick the one that makes the most sense, send regrets to the other people and don’t look back.
Don’t Over Commit
It would not be the holidays if it did not have parties and gatherings happening. You could find yourself being invited to parties by your neighbors, co-workers, or friends. Whomever it may be, you could find yourself with a month full of gatherings, with very little downtime or quiet time. I believe that it is important that everyone spend some time for reflection without distractions and the noise of the non-stop pace that comes with the holiday season. If you are invited to a function and it would interfere with that quiet time or disrupt your time with your spouse or children, maybe this is an event that you will have to decline the invitation. Your own personal reflection and peace are more important than pleasing someone who has invited you to his or her house.
Don’t Overspend
If you follow what the retail industry says, you will be buying a gift for everyone. Whether it is your cousin Jimmy who you haven’t seen in six years; or your child’s history teacher from last year, they want you to think that everyone needs or deserves a gift from you. Remember, they are telling you this because they want you to spend your money which will help their bottom line. Buying a gift for everyone is not possible and should not be expected. Stress levels increase when you wonder how you are going to pay for all of these gifts. Put a limit on who is getting a gift and how much you want to spend for that person. Maybe it is only a gift for your parents, but not your siblings. Or for your children, the limit is $25 per child. Whatever the amount or whoever is on the list, you are in control of it. Don’t get pressured into changing your decision just so you can please someone or want their approval. If you are upfront with them and let them know the situation, and they are not happy with it; the problem lies with them. They are the ones that have to understand what you decided.
Don’t Over Indulge
Holidays are focused on food and how much of it can be consumed at one time. Eating a little extra apple pie with Thanksgiving dinner is okay, but having two or three extra slices with a pint of vanilla ice cream after two servings of mac-n-cheese may be pushing it a bit. Just because the food is there, doesn’t mean you have to eat it all. Eat like you normally would eat, know your limits and when to quit especially if you are going to more than one party in a day. Stress levels increase when your body is not accustomed to eating like that, and it may even cause you to lose control and not know when to stop.
Don’t Over Politicize It
Have you noticed, that we as a society can no longer have a political discussion or debate without a full-on war and battle between the two sides? What used to be mild conversion now can lead to a shouting match and even name-calling. So, as you are sharing dinner with your family, don’t ask for their opinions of the impeachment hearings, especially if you know your sister sits on the other side of the political aisle. Stirring up ill-conceived conversation can lead to strife and ill feelings toward people whom you love or enjoy being with. It saves the peace and joy for everyone involved when you keep the conversations to topics that you mutually share. Or make it an opportunity to get to know someone a little more.
Holidays are meant to be a joyful time, but often they are not. Whatever the reason, if you are feeling the stress and you are not experiencing that joy; you need to find someone who can help. Find a family member or a close who you can talk to about your feelings. Go to your local church and find someone who can help you assess the situation and look for a positive outcome. You are not in this alone, there are people out there who can help you through it.
We are praying that you have a peaceful and joyful holiday season. May God’s blessings be upon you and your loved ones.
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