What's not to love about the holiday season? People are a little more
generous, your favorite coffee shop has its seasonal drink ready, and
there are more than enough gatherings to fill a social calendar.
Festive TV specials are running, and stores have their holiday floor
sets up to pique the interests of passersby. Our inboxes are filling up
with holiday gift guides, reviews for the latest gadgets, and links to
Amazon wish lists.
Joyous? Sure. But stressful, no doubt. Before the holiday rush takes
your blood pressure up, check out a few ways to make this season a
little less frenetic and a little more meaningful.
1.
Card writing for the family. If
sending cards is a big deal in your household, make it a family affair.
Get everyone involved in the process, from addressing and stamping the
envelopes to drawing pictures and writing the message.
2.
Be realistic. There's something about this time
of year that makes us think we have to do it all and be everywhere. Be
realistic about what can and can't be accomplished. Give yourself
permission to say "No, thank
you. Not this time." Say yes to only the most important things, and then savor every moment.
3.
Be mindful. Whether you call it quiet time,
meditation, or prayer, try starting and ending your day with 15 minutes
of focused lime just for you. Do the same with your family, maybe over
an Advent wreath. Togetherness – the best part of holidays.
4.
Sleep. Get enough. Sleep too much and you feel
lethargic. Sleep too little and you get cranky. Establish routines
before bed that allow your body to wind down and turn your brain off. No
eating, exercising or watching television right before bed.
5.
Practice presence. That means be present.
Literally. Having a meal with someone? Put the phone away. Taking a
walk? Stop thinking about the next thing on your to-do list and
appreciate the sights around you. Allow yourself to be fully immersed.
6.
Your clutter is another's treasure. If you've
been storing outgrown clothes and gently used housewares for a garage
sale, consider taking them to Salvation Army,Goodwill or another
non-profit organization. It's also a great opportunity to model
generosity and resource sharing for any little ones in your household.
7.
Eat! Sure, this is the time of year when folks
are worried about gaining a few extra pounds and when exercise routines
become more infrequent. But gathering over a cup of cocoa or a shared
meal are ways to reconnect with friends and family, or get to know
someone new—like the person selling the paper you pass by every day?
Perhaps invite her to breakfast one morning. It may just be the blessing
you've been waiting for.
8.
Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas. Why
does a TV show get its own number on this list? Because Linus has been
setting us straight about the true meaning of Christmas for almost 50
years. Watch the Peanuts gang Rethink Christmas and all the gift giving,
card sending, and tree decorating central to the Christmas
celebration—it just might make you rethink how you're celebrating, too.
9.
Gifts—make 'em count. You've made your lists.
You've made sure there's something for everyone because, well, you don't
want your uncle's second cousin to feel left out at the family
gathering. Pause. Right. There. Why do you feel the need to give
everyone you know a gift? Maybe there's another way to celebrate and
honor that relationship? Put the fruitcake back.
10.
YOU time. Don't forget to take it. Replenishing
your inner well helps reduce stress and allows you to be a better
friend, spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, partner,
neighbor...you get the idea.
What are some practices that help you remember the reason for the season?
(Reposted from http://www.rethinkchurch.org/articles/spirituality/more-joy-less-stress)
Photo: Flickr user: clotee_allochuku/Creative Commons
