Holidays can bring jitters

We’ve all experienced the jangled nerves of the holiday season. There is the last-minute dash for the forgotten gift and extra baking for parties and guests. The additional activity can easily leave us drained and too exhausted to remember what all the fuss is about! We totally lose the sense of awe and wonder that our God humbled Himself to come to this earth as a baby and dwell among mankind. How can you keep the holiday simple and meaningful?
   
The only way to take control of your holiday season is to make the conscious choice to do so. Here is your chance:
   
–Take a little time to focus before the activity begins and ask a few important questions. What do the holidays mean to you? Is the Christmas season defined by the joy of family gatherings? Is this a time of parties and playfulness with friends? Is it a magical time to share with your children or grandchildren? Is this the time to remember all your many blessings and reach out to those less fortunate?
   
–Imagine how you want to experience this season. Plan for the upcoming events and make a decision about the gatherings you must attend and the ones you want to attend. Plan a budget for gifts and food. Think about the traditions that have special meaning for you. Write down your decisions and make a commitment to yourself to live this season in a more meaningful way.
   
–Think about the changes in your life during the past year. Has there been a death in your family? Some people find they need to change how they celebrate Christmas the first year or two after a significant loss. If you have experienced other painful events such as a divorce, loss of employment or serious illness, think how this has changed the way you view the holiday season. There may be traditions that are just too painful to do at this time.
   
If you have experienced positive changes in your life such as a marriage or the birth of a baby, look for ways of blending traditions and creating new ways to celebrate.
   
–What do you want to teach your children about the Christmas season?  Some families find meaning in volunteering in soup kitchens, providing meals for the homeless or buying toys for less fortunate children as a way of showing gratitude for their blessings. 
   
–Write down a plan of action. It all becomes clearer in black and white. Place limits on spending. Plan easy dishes to be fixed ahead and frozen. Plan the decorating and include the family in the fun.
   
–Carefully think about what you value as you live this season.
   
Whenever you feel the pressure to do more, spend more and go more, recall the choices you made when you took this time to reflect on what is really important.  May you have the courage to live by your own convictions.