How To Stress Less This Christmas
Christmas is fast approaching! Are you ready?
I sometimes feel when people ask the question whether I am ready or not, I feel I have to have this huge checklist checked off, with nothing but Christmas bliss left.
Christmas shouldn’t be about a to-do list, yet that is what we have often made it to be. We struggle to truly enjoy Christmas. It is one thing to not be stressed during the season. It is another to ENJOY CHRISTMAS! So how do you take Christmas one step further – from not being stressed to truly enjoying every moment? Here are a few helpful reminders and ideas:
Stick to your budget.
One of the biggest stressors during Christmas can be finances. Have you looked at your grocery bill lately? Are your eyes bigger than ever? Instead of making the latest and greatest recipe, try making the tried, true, and simple recipes that you know won’t cost a fortune in the end. Even more, have a giant potluck and you will have the best variety of food one could imagine! Really, how often does someone bring the exact same thing? Rarely. And if they do, great minds think alike!
Delegate.
Instead of feeling like you have to do it all, don’t be afraid to delegate. Christmas is a season of giving, even of time! People WANT to help! Sometimes our pride gets in the way and we think we can do it better, so we just do it ourselves. But swallow that pride and don’t be afraid to share the load!
Be realistic.
Don’t set too high of expectations! Setting too high of expectations only sets one up for disappointment. Allow yourself some grace! Your home doesn’t have to look perfect – no one is going to know OR care. When you are in someone else’s house, are you expecting it to look perfect? No…you spend time just being with the people within it. Also, it’s okay if your kids have a meltdown. Everyone has been there! It’s a crazy time for us all and kids are allowed to let us know it’s a crazy time for them too. Take them in a different room if you have to, so they can have some quiet time, but as kids often do, they will be right back up on their feet in no time.
Keep priorities straight.
Remember why you are gathering together with family and friends – for the real reason of the season – Christ’s birth. To celebrate it. To enjoy it. To marvel at it. To be filled with a sense of awe for the gift that Christ truly is. Don’t lose sight of the reason.
Do what you do best.
For YOUR family. What traditions do you enjoy doing as a family? Do you sing carols as a family? Bake Christmas cookies? Make gingerbread houses? Just relax as a family, TOGETHER? What traditions do you do just for the sake of tradition and not for the enjoyment of them? Reevaluate what you do as a family – simplify if needed. Enjoy each moment, whether getting rid of the old traditions, sticking with the same, or starting something new.
Enjoy the season.
Don’t let the stress of everything that has to be done, rule your heart this season. Enjoy listening to Christmas music. Enjoy buying gifts for those you love. Enjoy baking/cooking food you know will satisfy. Take time to reflect on WHY you are doing something – hopefully this will help you find enjoyment in every moment!
