Holiday Stress
Last week a dear friend of mine expressed how stressed out she was about Christmas. My heart went out to her because I know that she is not alone. The hustle and bustle that occurs during this time of year can be overwhelming.
Everyone either has a list, or is making a list of the things that they need to accomplish by Christmas. Whether it be a list of groceries to purchase for all of the delicious goodies, or a list of toys and other gifts to buy, there is work to be done. And let’s not forget to mention the decorating of the house and the Christmas tree. There is also house cleaning to be done in preparation for the special day. There are Christmas plays to attend, Church Christmas programs and Christmas Parties to attend. Wow there can be a lot going on in the month of December! Just listing these things makes me want to take a nap.
The thought of all that needs to be done from Thanksgiving to Christmas can be quite stressful and absolutely exhausting for some. Obviously this was not God’s intention. This should be a time of joy and it should also be a peaceful time, when we can be in God’s presence full of gratitude and hope for the future that lies ahead of us because of the birth of Christ. Today I would like to share a few tips that can possibly help you to have a calmer Christmas so that you can refocus on the reason for this special season and that would be Jesus!
10 Ways To Calm Your Anxieties During The Christmas Season
- Start each day in the presence of God through prayer and by reading your Bible. Just get still.
- Play soft Christmas music throughout the day in your home and in your car.
- Make a list of all that you need to do, and do things over several days. Stress comes when we try to accomplish too much in a short amount of time.
- Maybe this could be the year that you suggest pulling names to your family, instead of trying to purchase gifts for everyone. It saves time, energy and money.
- If finances are a bit tight this year and you have the time, you may consider giving baked goods, such as cookies etc. and trust me, they will be well received.
- Delegate. Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to do it all. Share the load. You don’t want to be totally exhausted on Christmas morning and the day after that too.
- Nothing makes us feel better than doing something nice for someone else. Why not take a name from an angel tree this year and bless a stranger with a gift. You will be surprised at how quickly you will forget about yourself and all that you need to do when you focus on someone else’s needs.
- Take a moment after one of your long days and sit and watch a cute Christmas movie, preferably a funny one. Laughter is a great stress releaser.
- Take a 20-30 minute nap if you need to recharge.
- Review your list and determine if everything on it is really necessary. If you see places to cut back, be willing to do so.
I hope that this helps! Have a Merry and Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year!
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
John 14:27
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Matthew 6:34
34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Isaiah 26:3
3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Colossians 3:15
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.
8 They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
