You Can Control the Chaos of the Holidays

The Holiday season can be stressful and exhausting so how can we take control of the chaos? There are approximately six weeks of non-stop advertising and extra to-do’s added to our calendars.  And is it me or are they starting the Christmas advertising earlier and earlier?  We can get caught in the trap of consumerism so easily. Building memories and caring for people is more important than things. I believe that every year we need to re-evaluate what is truly important. Family situations change so whether the kids are away at college, get married or Grandpa isn’t with us anymore we need to be flexible adjust our plans.  

TRADITIONS

What are the most important traditions for you and your family?  Put those at the top of the list! Just like you, I see all the new twists on old recipies but my family likes my apple pie the way I make it. Don’t drive yourself crazy trying to make a new gourmet dish that looks “just like the magazine picture”. Carefully consider your calendar. Don’t add new events before fitting in the most important ones while leaving some wiggle room for the unexpected. If family dynamics have changed then make new traditions that everyone can participate in and enjoy. One that we started is to ask everyone at the dinner table to share one thing they are grateful for before we pray and then eat our feast.

EXPECTATIONS

Have limits and lower expectations that everything will be Hallmark perfect. (Because it never is). If you have  small children and especially if you have children with special needs, you may have to say no to some extra activities. No time to bake? Buy cookies. No cards this year? Don’t feel guilty. Probably the hardest thing when you have little ones is limiting the visiting hours and trying to maintain a regular bedtime.  

 If this is a particularly stressful or financially tight year for you then cut down on decorating and other extras. Simply decorate the Tree, the mantle or table and the front door. The tree represents eternal life and Jesus the Light of the world. The mantle or table decoration is right in view for you while the front door is what others see and where you enter and exit everyday.

I love the idea of  “no politics” at the table. Sharing funny stories or remembrances is a much better way to enjoy and connect even with difficult relatives.

SHOPPING

I was never really into the Black Friday shopping at the malls but I did and do carefully troll the sales and coupons. Plan and limit your shopping. It is too stressful to push through the crowds of people to “find the perfect gift”. My husband will tell you I used to be like a madwoman at getting the best deals but it wasn’t worth the energy expended! Don’t ask him about the hunt for a perfect tree. We have a fake one now. Online shopping is great but we have to watch spending and set limits there too. Getting into debt over gifts does not leave a satisfying feeling afterwards.

FREE IS GOOD

Take advantage of FREE things. Driving around the neighborhood to view different lights and displays is fun!  Enjoy a local holiday parade (or Macy’s on TV).  Take a walk, play a board game or watch a classic movie together.  Support the local school and church concerts.

SELF CARE

If you are feeling overwhelmed, stop and take a deep breath – seriously. Breathing helps clear our minds, calms our racing thoughts and lowers blood pressure. Make sleep a PRIORITY . Have a coffee or tea and take a 5 minute power nap. Utilize the power of music: energizing to pump you up while doing tasks and slower to relax and refresh your soul. Limit the news and social media. 

Practicing gratitude focuses on what we have and not what is missing. Being grateful lifts our spirits and changes our perspective.  The old hymn “Count Your Blessings” states it well.  “Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.“

Most important DO NOT neglect your time with God!  Read a Christmas devotional or one Chapter of Luke each day for the month of December. Learning about the Pilgrims first winter and harvest meal will make you grateful for a warm house and food! Christmas is about celebrating Jesus’ birthday and the reason He came so make sure He is the focus of all you do. Counting blessings and not focusing on difficulties will fill your heart with peace, wonder and the joy of the season.