How to Stay Peaceful During the Holidays

Someone recently asked me how not to feel pressured and stressed at the holidays so I thought this topic is worthy of a blog post. 

Parties to attend, parties to plan, gifts to buy, and places to go. This time of year demands so much more energy and activity. Yet, I have to ask myself the question "Who and what are really the most important?" and then make sure I have enough time and energy to focus on these people and things. But how? 

In this year of economic turmoil brought on by the pandemic, there is a key word that I think applies to the holidays as well - downsize. For example, this year, I have resolved to buy less gifts for less people. In years past, I have spent a LOT of TIME thinking about what a particular person would like. I don't just pick up any old thing, and it takes thought to come up with a good gift. 

Another resolve is to say no to activities that either are not holiday related or have little meaning to me. It's a tough thing to say no to friends, but if they don't understand that is not my problem. The holidays are very special to me and if an activity is something that can be done some other time, then I put it off. 

Thirdly, I resolve to spend even more time with the Lord. Listening, praying and reading His Word are even more important when the heat turns up. "Oh, I wish I had more time to study" or "I wish I knew more scripture" are common complaints I hear from others. Well, guess what? Being connected to the Lord is a choice we have the power to make on a daily basis. It means putting spending time with Him a priority over everything else. And guess what else? I find that when I do make the time to spend in His presence, everything else becomes crystal clear. 

So, dear one, what choices and changes will you make this holiday season? I encourage you to say no to activities that hold no real meaning for you. Write me and let me know your ideas for staying peaceful during the holidays and in the meantime, be thankful for all!

Holiday Busyness

It is November and the holidays are fast approaching. Planning the Thanksgiving menu, Xmas gift list, and deciding on which activities to say yes or no to. I am starting to feel that pressure; you know the "too much to do" pressure. I know I am not alone in this and I am determined to not let it get to me this year.

Which means, some things have to change. But first, and more importantly is understanding where this feeling is coming from. Is it perhaps from some fear of "doing everything right" which is closely related to that P word - perfectionism? I wonder. I don't consider myself a perfectionist but I do like to do the best I can at whatever I do. Is this a problem? Perhaps.

When I start to have too many things on my mind so that I feel stressed and pressured, maybe I need to ask myself that question "What would Jesus do?" Would He want me feeling stressed and pressured by a never ending To Do List? I think not. Jesus came to save us from ourselves and our constant feelings on inadequacy by showing us how much He loves us by dying on the cross, right?

There is nothing I can do to be more loved by Him or anyone else for that matter. I think my sons would rather have a healthy calm mom and fewer presents under the tree, than a mother who gets stressed out, don't you think? Of course, I am not minimizing the fact that there is a lot more to do around the holidays and the brunt of the work does fall on the woman of the house, but being the woman, I need to take charge of what I do and don't do. And replace the pressure I feel with a sense of peace and serenity, knowing and trusting that God will work everything out just as it is supposed to be.

Next time, I'll talk about what I am going to change this season and share practical tips on what to do to avoid holiday stress. Until then, keep calm and keep looking up!