Picked up a random poetry book From the crowded shelf. Quick easy hour read: Delight and wonder. Then, Found…
Preparing for a Meaningful Christmas
Suddenly, it is four days before Christmas. Why have I not found time to blog since Sunday? Where have I been the last five days? Um…
I don’t know about you, but as much as I had been feeling prepared for Christmas last weekend, now it is the weekend before Christmas and I still have gifts to get for my family. We are having Christmas parties tonight and tomorrow. Our house is no where ready for company. What do we do? What do you do to get ready physically and mentally?
Plus, do you feel like you are staying up later and later on these days before Christmas just to get your to-do lists done? I am waking up during the night thinking about my lists that I am not getting enough sleep.
What’s the solution?
I have put together four important stress-free tips for you to help you get through the holidays.
1. Make a list and delegate tasks.
Decide what is important and who can do it. Spouses/partners + kids all need to take part in the preparation. You do not have to do everything by yourself! It is important especially to teach your kids responsibility so giving them extra chores to prepare for the big day is beneficial to them in the long rum. Plus, make sure you explain to your family why the chores need to be done. My eleven-year-old daughter asked me last night why we needed to clean up the upstairs for our Holiday open house party. I told her I want the whole house to be open to guests for their own comfort (and my peace of mind). We should have a clean house top to bottom. She did not seem to understand, but she agreed to go along with my request.
2. Prioritize time to relax:
Make time to finish your shopping, wrapping, cooking and cleaning so you can just enjoy the moments. Fionna Brennan, from an article in the Belfast Telegraph, reminds us, “‘Be fully present and take deep breaths if you feel your own, or someone else’s expectations, are unrealistic. Bring it back to the moment. The breath is a wonderful tool to bring mindfulness to any situation,'” (“How to stop Christmas giving you a festive meltdown”). The more you can do what needs to get done, without overdoing it on the perfection ladder, the more you will be able to actually enjoy your time with friends and family from now through Christmas Day.
3. Take Care of You:
Michigan Brain Health also recommends: “Watch your blood sugar” do not over due it on holiday treats, but rather pace yourself to enjoy a little bit at a time.
“Get some exercise” once you have completed your tasks each day, go for a walk (Johnson). Maybe take the kids around the neighborhood to look at lights. Just get outside and breathe in the fresh air to help rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Have your kids complete a Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt for fun.
On that note, make sure you and your children stick to a regular bed time, despite the festivities (Johnson). Remember, sleep is essential to how you respond to situations each day. “Avoid having a later than usual bedtime: try the best you can to observe your typical times and practices, even if you are staying away from home,” (“How to stop Christmas giving you a festive meltdown”).
4. Remember the “Reason for the Season”:
Our holiday to-lists are all well and good unless we forget why we are doing it all in the first place. We would not have Christmas without the celebration of Jesus’ birth. This time of year is a blessing to each of us. Remember as a little child your excitement for your birthday party? Christmas is a time we celebrate Jesus’ birthday and not just to follow expected society traditions. We get to choose how we celebrate this special birth in our own way. Suggestions: Make time to read the Nativity Story with your family. Sing Christmas Carols together, such as “Oh Holy Night”, “Silent Night”, “Mary Did You Know”. Christmas is meant to be a time we can slow down and appreciate time with loved ones; it is not about spending money on gifts, going from one party or event to another, or overindulging yourself on sweets and drinks until you are sick, regretful. Christmas is finding your center, your HOPE, renewed through the birth of Christ Jesus.
As you go through the next few days, be mindful about what is most important to you. Stay clear of what will harm you mentally and physically so you can be present in each blessed moment.
Please comment below and share what suggestions you have for enjoying this special time of year! I want to hear from you! Merry Christmas!
References:
“How to stop Christmas giving you a festive meltdown”. (2017, December 17). Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved from: https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/health/how-to-stop-christmas-giving-you-a-festive-meltdown-36418968.html.
Johnson, Karl R.O.S. (n.d.). “5 Ways To Battle Brain Fog”. Michigan Brain Health. Retrieved from: https://michiganbrainhealth.com/5-ways-to-battle-brain-fog/.