Excitement, joy-filled anticipation, and comfy PJs. That’s how all of my best Christmas memories began as a child. I remember sliding down the wooden floors in our hallway trying to cover more ground in less time to get to the Christmas presents. Those days hold such warm and precious memories. As I grew older and had children of my own, things began to change. The excitement and joy turned into anxiety and stress over what to buy when to buy it so it arrived in time, when/how to decorate, what to cook…the list is endless. Have you ever felt this way? As a mom, I’m sure you have. Let’s look together at a few ways we can overcome holiday stress with our family.
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The Three C’s For Overcoming Holiday Stress Together
- Communication
- Contemplation
- Connection
Communication
We all know that communication is key in our relationships, in our businesses, and in the to-dos of the holiday season. While we understand its importance, many of us, myself included, fail to actually incorporate it into our plans. We have a list of things we want to buy or give, or ways we want to serve but we build these lists with ourselves at the center. I need to do this, I need to go here, etc, instead of communicating with our husbands or our support system. When we do this, the holiday cheer and joy quickly fade into holiday stress and anxiety as our problems grow larger than our perspective. Have you talked to your husband about the 100 things you still have left to do on your list? No? Here’s your reminder. Take the things that are robbing you of the joy of this special time of year to your partner, and allow him to bring his to you. When we communicate with the people who help us make life special, we not only accomplish more but we do it with less stress.
Contemplation
Have you stopped to consider why you’re feeling overwhelmed? Is the holiday stress coming from a place of comparison or fear? Are you judging yourself for not having the most beautifully decorated house on the block or comparing the gifts you plan to give your children with the gifts your girlfriend has on her list? Check your focus. I’ve been reminded to do this at so many different points throughout the last month or so. To not only check my focus but to check my traditions and my knowledge. I’m realizing that I have so many beliefs and traditions that aren’t rooted in Biblical truth. This realization has done two things for me:
- I’m no longer stressed about celebrating the Holidays the way the world says I should. I’m more interested in what my Father says.
- While I’m still uncovering the truth and still looking for answers, I’ve been more focused on connecting with the people in my life than collecting materials. This has lifted the burden the most. I’ll tell you why…
Connection
While I’m still uncovering what these holidays will look like for my family and me in the years to come, I believe that the importance of coming together and creating real memories together will only grow stronger. This is what I encourage you to do too, beautiful. My husband and I decided that this year, the focus would be on quality family time. More time sitting, talking, and creating together than looking through catalogs and spending hours in overly crowded stores. Yes, we’re still doing “Christmassy” things like baking cookies, exchanging gifts, decorating. But it’s different this year. It isn’t stressful because we’ve stripped it down to what it is…I’ll share more on this when the time is right. In the meantime, a good friend (thanks, boosky!) recommended this book to me and I’m excited to sit here for a bit.
We’re a week away from Christmas, I pray that you and your loved ones overcome the holiday stress and create memories that will last a lifetime.
XOXO, JD
How do you get through the craziness of the holiday season? Let’s Talk! Comment below and share your favorite tips and thoughts.
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