Few would disagree that commercialization of the holidays has increased our stress levels considerably. It’s even worse for so many families this year due to threatened or real economic challenges. What can you do about it? Read on…
You are not alone
It’s difficult to break from societal and family holiday pressures. In addition to your regular hectic schedules you add endless shopping and parties. You decorate the yard as well as the exterior and interior of your home. You make gifts, bake cookies, cook mountains of food and invite the family over for your traditional holiday dinner. You attend plays where you little angel has a part. There are extra choir performances. You give up sleep, family time and personal time. As you race past your children or life-partner you find yourself either sending kisses and hugs or snapping out directives and frustrations.
You are tired and feeling overwhelmed by the financial stress. Time escapes you as you race faster hoping to complete the dozens of tasks still on your list.
Somewhere along the way you realize, “This is not Fun.”
What’s it really all about?
There seems to be a growing chorus of voices suggesting we’ve gotten off course when it comes to gift giving. Do you even remember who you bought for last year, and what? Do you recall what gifts you received and who gave them to you? If you can’t remember, it’s possible you are going through the holiday motions but not enjoying it.
If you are trying to live up to the holiday expectations of others and aren’t happy, why are you not making change? Here’s a bit of a nudge. Repeat after me:
This is my choice.
I am responsible for my own beliefs, actions and words.
Within your religious, cultural or spiritual beliefs, what are the traditions of your holiday, or holy day? Typically those customs have to do with the celebration of miracles, new beginnings and renewal. How are you honoring those practices or beliefs in your own life?
Join the Gentle Rebellion
It seems most people I’ve talked with this year are trying to recapture the true spirit of the holidays. They are choosing to cut back on all things. Here are some of the changes being made this year by hundreds of thousands of people:
- Decorating: Rather than decorating the roof, house, yard and full interior of your home, select the one space or area which is most important to you.
- Parties: Pick the most important party and send your regrets to the others. There is nothing wrong with choosing to honor the true meaning and traditions of your holiday this year by spending more time with family.
- Gift giving for children: Respect your budget. One nice gift with meaning is far more valuable than many gifts soon to be forgotten.
- Gift giving for adults: Give a gift from your heart. Design a coupon or get one from the internet and give a gift of your time. Your coupon is either for doing something meaningful and memorable with — or doing something for — those special people in your life. This is a form of giving your word. Make sure you follow through.
- Baking: Instead of making one hundred dozen candy cane chocolate chip mini-cookies this year, consider making one big decorated gingerbread cookie for each of the intended recipients. Or, bake a pie or cake for each family. Keep it simple and fun.
- Holiday meals: Any adult can appreciate the time, hard work and expense that goes into this meal. Have a discussion with your family. Find a way to cut back on the amount of food and have everybody bring an equal share of dishes.
This year we are having nourishing hors d’oeuvres for the day while we play games, sing and visit. The day is about camaraderie rather than food.
Introduce a new tradition of Appreciation:
This tradition of Appreciation is a practice by many cultures. It’s simple, fun and uplifting. Begin this heart filling ceremony by lighting some candles for scent, color and decoration. It’s easiest to start with whoever is seated at the head of the table, usually Mom or Dad. The person seated to the left of the head of the table might say, “Dad, I really appreciate you for your sense of fair play.” Let Dad comment if he wants to. Continue clockwise as every person expresses their appreciation to Dad. It might be “I appreciate how you always find the positive side of any situation.” Somebody else might say, “I really appreciate your sense of humor.” Once you’ve each expressed appreciation to Dad, move on to the next person left of him. Continue until everybody has been given the gift of appreciation.
What are you doing to reduce stress this holiday season?
What traditions do you practice or are you changing?
Filed under: Category ONE Tagged: | Holiday, Stress, Tradition
