We all know the craziness and stress that can come with the holiday season. From buying gifts to decorating the house to coordinating family time, it can all be overwhelming. With Halloween over and Thanksgiving around the corner, the holiday season is in full swing.
Now is the time when things start to become less plentiful on the shelves in stores, the air begins to cool, and the leaves change color. How can we deal with the stress of the holidays and truly enjoy the season to the fullest?
While growing up, I could see how the holidays would stress out my mother and take a toll on her. From having to organize holiday meals to buying presents for friends and loved ones, she was all over the place. As an adult, I can see where her stress derived from during the holidays.
Although I am not tasked with coordinating holiday gatherings and do not have children to cater to, I still understand some of the “holiday crazies.”
Focus on the special moments
If you struggle to find the joy or overall point of the holidays, divulge yourself in the special moments. I find the beauty of the holidays in the small things around me, such as the smell of the fresh pine trees at the Christmas tree farm, children giggling as they wait in line to see Santa, the beautiful sparkle of lights from the display of the holy manger in people’s yards, and the cool breeze grazing my hands as I walk through the Christmas lights in the park
When you choose to see the small things around you, you can begin to see the big picture and true beauty behind the season. You could also focus on the outcome rather than the action. For example, if you are worried about getting gifts for family members, think about how they will react simply by being able to share the moment of opening presents with you.
Take a second to breathe
With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it can be hard to remember to slow down and enjoy the time before it is gone. We all rush to get the presents we need, hop on the Black Friday sales, and get everything ready; we forget to remember why we are doing this.
Who are you doing this for? Are you decorating to bring a smile to your kid’s faces? Are you preparing a family-sized dinner to fill the stomachs of your loved ones? Are you walking through a field of trees to find the perfect Christmas tree just right for your home? Are you remembering to be thankful for the life The Lord has given you?
Remember the reason for the season
Even if you struggle to create the “picture perfect” Christmas, you are not falling short. The true meaning behind the holidays isn’t the tangible gifts, plentiful food, and extravagant decorations. The true reason for the season is to be thankful, spend time with your loved ones, cherish the beauty around you, spread kindness and love to others, and celebrate the life you were given.
Don’t worry; I promise you are not the only person who can lose their way during the holidays and let the stress of the holiday crazies take over. When this happens, remind yourself of all of the good this time has to offer.
