Are you feeling the pressure of the season instead of the joy?
Are you dreading the next few weeks?
Here are a few things you CAN do to make
this season a good one:
1. Focus on people, not gifts. Try to remember the people in your life who are blessings. Give thanks for them from the heart. If you have an opportunity, let them know how much you care. A heartfelt sentiment is worth more than any store-bought gift!
2. You don't have to do it "all." The Earth will not fall off its axis if you fail to make all 15 kinds of Christmas cookies your family likes. The sun will still shine if you don't put up every decoration you own.
Why not enjoy the things that you make and decorate with those you care about as time allows? And leave the rest in storage for next year - or maybe for donation!
3. Ask for help when you need it. Are you committed to host an event? Or did you volunteer to bake dozens of cookies for your church? Why not ask a friend to help you?
I have some excellent memories of friends who have helped me in my kitchen when I had an enormous task to finish. When I taught high school French years ago I had to make 15 Buches de Noel one Saturday, traditional chocolate rolled Christmas cakes, for my students. I asked some friends to help me with all the time-consuming mixing and baking. It turned out to be a fun day. "Many hands make light work" as they say!
4. Be honest, resist pressure and say "no" when you must. There's no law that says you have to give in to all the advertising pressure of our culture and spend too much money. Be honest with yourself and let your family know your situation. Don't feel bad about setting limits on spending and activities. This is supposed to be a season of enjoying family and friends - so do just that! Say "yes" to the good, and "no" to the unnecessary.
If you are feeling stretched and pressured - try some of these suggestions and make this a Merry Christmas!!
No comments:
Post a Comment