O P I N I O N
MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY
By Brian Chicoine
I love the Christmas season! I love Christmas! As a follower of Jesus, I celebrate His birth as well as the Hope that He brings to our crazy world, but I also recognize that Christmas has become more of a cultural and commercial holiday. I myself celebrate Christmas in part by buying gifts, attending plays and celebrations, and watching movies, (including those that have the “magic of Christmas”). I just stay grounded and keep Jesus at the center of everything that I do around the holiday – I remember it is really about His birth.
I am not against the way that anyone chooses to celebrate Christmas, even if it does not align with my beliefs. I am, however, against the unnecessary stress that we bring upon ourselves during this time. The stress that we allow includes financial pressure, gift buying (trying to find the “perfect gift”) family dynamics, the busyness, and emotional factors. According to the American Psychological Association, 89% of adults – about 9 of 10 – say that something causes them stress during the holiday season, 58% are stressed because they are spending too much or don’t have enough money to spend, and 38% are missing family or loved ones. These are just a few examples…you can read the full story by clicking here. There is a lot of stress happening during, what should be, the most joyous of seasons!
I’ve unfortunately – as many of you have – witnessed the Christmas craziness myself. Driving down South Willow Street or to a mall is insane. People blocking intersections, trying to beat a red light, cutting people off, and stealing parking spaces. Then when you get to your destination, you deal with endless lines, rude employees, rude customers (probably the reason for rude employees), limited or non-existing stock, and people cutting in front of you to get that gift. Oh yeah, the occasional name calling and threats. Ironic that this is the season of joy, don’t you think?
The battle-ready shoppers that come out between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve aside, there are ways to relax and focus on the things that bring you joy during the Christmas season. For me, it’s Jesus, my family, my church, my friends, Christmas lights, plays, movies, Snoopy, and mint M&Ms…gotta have the candy!
I have included some ways that you can try to de-stress a bit during the mad rush to Christmas. And by the way, there is no such thing as the “perfect gift,” so stop stressing yourself out trying to find it. The only “perfect gift” came in the form of a baby in Bethlehem, around 2,000 years ago:
9 ways to overcome holiday stress
- Plan your schedule – Between co-workers, friends and family, it’s inevitable that things will be scheduled at the same time. You can reduce stress by planning ahead, and prioritizing events. If you’re hosting an event, plan everything and create things like checklists to help make planning easier on you.
- Learn to be able to decline invitations – Although we often feel that we need to attend every holiday event, it is okay – and better for your overall health – to decline some invitations. Maybe attend different events next year?
- Make a holiday budget, and stick to it – The holidays are a time when we spend money, and more than usual. You may want to spend money on your loved ones, (there is nothing wrong with wanting to buy something for a loved one at Christmas), but it’s important to only spend what you have and to remember that there are other bills. Maybe make something instead? (People enjoy gifts from the heart).
- Create an atmosphere of calm – Turn on your favorite (holiday?) tunes, light some candles or fire-up them lights, maybe enjoy some hot chocolate and a Christmas movie, (maybe Die Hard), with a loved one. At our home, we celebrate what we call Chicmas, and watch Christmas movies, (yes, including Die Hard), throughout the Christmas season. We also celebrate Advent and Hanukkah and participate in Christmas season Bible studies, such as reading through the Book of Luke during December, since it has 24 chapters.
- Keep-up with your healthy routines – The holidays are the time when many people let their health habits go, so keeping-up with that daily workout is helpful, try participating in some winter outdoor activities, such as sledding or snowshoeing, eat healthy foods, (no, let’s not keep Elf’s Four Food Groups of candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup, during the holidays, as tempting as it may be).
- Don’t shy away from sharing your feelings – Bad things happen around Christmas, (such as the loss of a loved one) which can be overwhelming. Going through your first Christmas without a loved one can also be sad, and the holidays can add to the sad feelings. It can be very helpful to share your feelings.
- Unity wins the day – People have different opinions, and we see things differently and have differing perspectives. Focus on things that unify, such as family traditions and family unity.
- Know your limits – Remember that you are but one person and cannot do everything. Also, do not be a perfectionist as it causes unnecessary stress on you. It’s unrealistic to expect that you will be perfect, because we are all human and cannot reach perfection. Don’t waste energy striving for perfection, but instead realize that you can only do the best that you can and move on.
- Rest and Relax – Knowing your limits will help you realize that you are but one person and can only do what you reasonably can. Nap, watch a movie, laugh, and enjoy the holidays!
Holidays are meant to be a fun, enjoyable time when we get together with family and friends. Let’s not let the negativity, the rushing, or the striving for perfection and worrying about the opinions of others take away from this awesome season!
As always, comments are welcomed! Email me at mythoughts603@gmail.com.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!