The holidays and winter are upon us, bringing changes, beauty, memories, as well as stress. For me, winter engages all my senses: the aroma of turkey cooking, the beauty of icicles hanging from every branch and contrasted with the blue sky after an ice storm passes, the feeling of warm slippers on cold feet, the taste of sweet cocoa after sledding, and the sound of Salvation Army kettle bells chiming outside the malls. At the same time, this season can bring the stress of busy schedules and increased (and sometimes unrealistic) expectations.
I used to drive myself, and my family, crazy trying to “do it all” from November through December, a cycle repeated annually and alarmingly. Slowly over the years I’ve learned to let go of things, either by delegating, dropping or modifying. One big stress reducer was a change in my holiday cards. Given my frequent moves but desire to keep in touch with special people in my life, sending cards was consuming more hours than I had in December. Then in 2002, after moving from Massachusetts to California, I hit on a new tradition: Christmas cards in June. Taking my boxes of cards (purchased the day after the previous Christmas at 50% off!) I would sit by the pool on several afternoons with my margarita and my missives. No cheating with just a signature, I could actually write personal notes to everyone and enjoy it. My attitude was “people just want to hear from you, it doesn’t have to be in December.” A few laughed when they got their card that summer but most admitted they enjoyed the novelty and they actually had time to read the card. Viola, one big task off my plate that December!
I’d love for you to share your hints for reducing stress at this time of year. And as a thank you for contributing, everyone who posts a suggestion on this blog will be entered in a drawing for a stress-relief prize. So what’s your secret to relieving stress during the holidays?
3 Comments
One way I’ve reduced stress during the holiday is to eliminate gift buying. No more standing at long check-out counters or tearing my hair out trying to find a parking space at a jam-packed mall. Instead, I make an online “gift” donation to one of my favorite charities, WEAVE (a non-for-profit that helps women and children). Those on my gift list support the idea and it has served to have others pick up on the idea. It takes less than 30 minutes and WEAVE sends out the gift note for me! Works for me.
Anyone who knows me shouldn’t be surprised, but the first tip is to work in advance. Whether it’s shopping, cooking or planning, think about your strategy in advance. Make a list and shop for gifts ahead of the rush or cook parts of your meals and freeze them. The last tip is to do something that clears your head — excercise, regular massage or crashing with a good book. You’ll feel better about yourself and what is ahead. Good luck!
Two years ago I became very overwhelmed working, starting grad school, and building a new home for our future retirement. One of my children had just graduated from college and the other was only a year away from that milestone. We all had everything we needed, and most of the things we wanted. When I could budget a little “free” time, I volunteered for a local non-profit agency called “Action –Area Christians Taking Initiative on Needs”. Based solely in Ventura County, they work to put volunteers together with community citizens in need; painting houses, cooking meals, buying wheelchairs, bringing companionship…whatever is needed. They also sponsor a huge gift drive at Christmastime.
Checking with the family, we decided to all forego our Christmas gifts and instead buy gifts and toys to be distributed locally by Action. When our kids were home for Thanksgiving, we all went shopping to buy gifts for our donations. We spent a wonderful day together, hitting the malls and the shops and choosing gifts we thought would bring joy and purpose to others. When Christmas arrived, we had the wonderful satisfaction of knowing that we had spread some light in the world. Then we enjoyed the calm and peace of Christmas Day, spent with those we love — reflecting with joy on the real meaning of the season.