Holiday Time
It’s that time of year again…time to break out the holiday decorations and start gearing up for all the things December brings: Christmas parties, Christmas shopping, Christmas stress. Although a carol tells us that this is the most wonderful time of the year, many people find it to be the most stressful time of the year instead. There are many reasons for this. One is that in addition to everything we already do (jobs, chores, grocery shopping, etc.), there are lots of add-ons at Christmas. The kids have Christmas concerts, and there are charity drives (gotta get those socks and toothbrushes and don’t forget the gift for that special someone from the Angel tree). And for old timers like me, we have Christmas cards to get out and presents to wrap. Yeah, I’m throwing some stuff that’s hard to wrap in bags, but I still do the old school gift wrap with ribbons, bows, and tags for most of the presents. There’s just so much to do and so little time.
Another reason people can find Christmas difficult is that they feel isolated. Some people don’t get along with their family while others have family members who have passed away. Others of us just aren’t very social and find get-togethers to be stressful. Just today I’m debating about whether to go to a Christmas party. I have a good excuse—a tummy ache—but I’m wondering if all the effort is worth it.
Some look at what is happening in the world with wars, inflation, Covid, and just find all so very depressing. Looking at our bank accounts can be depressing too, especially when we realize that we just can’t afford an elaborate Christmas this year. So how do we find that elusive Christmas spirit that’s supposed to make us feel all warm and tingly inside?
I suggest slowing down. I know that sounds counter-intuitive considering all the stuff we have to do, but I think it’s necessary. Stop and think about what absolutely has to be done and what is really optional. Determine what you really want to do and what you don’t really want to do. Life is too short to spend our time choosing to do things we don’t really enjoy. Of course there are some things we can’t really get out of doing like paying bills, but I’m talking about the things we’re choosing to do. Are we choosing them because other people expect us to do them or because we don’t want to disappoint others? That’s not a good enough reason.
Once we are grown, we need to do most of the things we choose to do (not have to do) because that’s exactly what we want to do. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the things on your “to-do” list this holiday season, take a minute to determine how much of that stuff you’re excited to do. If it doesn’t make you happy, don’t do it. Then you’ll have time to slow down and enjoy those things you’re really enthusiastic about doing. Maybe that’s taking a walk or sipping a hot beverage or reading a book. Take the time to think about what makes you heart sing. Then you can make this holiday season one you will really enjoy.
Joke: If you haven’t gotten the Christmas spirit yet, it’s not too late. They’re having a big sale on it down at the mall.
Quote: “Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” – Calvin Coolidge
Advice: Remember that the greatest gift you can give this Christmas is whatever makes you happy.