December 2008 - "Making the Holidays Less Stressful & More Meaningful"

Well, we have made it through another year. I’m sure that we have all experienced some challenges, with the changing economy and re-evaluation of our priorities. I hope that we also watched ourselves grow in ways which produced new areas of strength and ability. This holiday season may be the perfect time to put one of your new abilities to use. We all know that the true joy of the Christmas season cannot be found in a store (no matter what the ads say). Having just celebrated Thanksgiving, I hope that all of us found time to really focus on what we are thankful for. I am sure that your lists include loving family, faithful friends, good health, and warm homes. One other thing that we enjoyed over the long holiday weekend was free time. How nice it was not to have to get up early on Friday or Saturday morning to rush out somewhere (unless you really wanted to).

Time is one of those precious commodities that no matter what we do, we can’t get more of it. We all have the same number of hours and minutes to use each day. The idea of gift-giving this year is causing some to feel stress and depression because they can’t afford to do what they have in the past. I suggest that this year we challenge ourselves to give the gift of time to our loved ones. Remember those new things you’ve tried over the year? Maybe it’s time to put one or two into action. Use your imagination and think about how you could gift someone with a bit of your time. Maybe bake coffee cake for a few neighbors to enjoy Christmas morning. Offer to babysit for a young family so the parents can get some shopping/chores done. Have tea with a senior citizen and help put up their decorations while listening to their stories about Christmases when they were young. Invite a grieving friend over for lunch and be the shoulder and ear she needs this year. Teach a young girl how to knit or crochet a simple item. Have a few children over to bake cookies in your kitchen to take home. Time can be a wonderful gift because it is so unexpected.

This gift can also be applied to yourself. Instead of spending time, energy and money to exchange gifts with close friends, try something new. Agree to have a special lunch together, and exchange gifts that you each have made. I have a couple of long-time friends and this is what we do. Our gifts may reflect a trip that we took, a new cookie recipe, or a new hobby (ie: knitting). The fact that we took the time is what is most important to us. And for yourself, take the time to rest and renew. A short nap can do wonders. Plan a few into your schedule during that week between Christmas and New Years Day. I guarantee you’ll be surprised at how you will feel. After all, this season was not meant to be the most stressful time of the year. Remember what it really is about. If you’re having trouble, sit down and watch "A Charlie Brown Christmas”" and re-read Luke chapter 2.

Happy Holidays!

Blessings to you,

Jacqui