Sunday
29Nov2009
Beat the Stress and Guilt This Holiday Season
Sunday, November 29, 2009 at 11:31PM
Last night I was reading the Ensign Magazine and felt reminded to follow these steps during the ALWAYS too hectic holiday season:
I wish you all so much peace and love this holiday season! I have truly enjoyed getting to know you more this year. This blog started as a fun way to network but I've come to look forward to your updates and enjoyable blogs.
Love Gabby
P.S. I did finally pimp out my Facebook page (kind of - I still have more pictures to add). If you'd like to follow along, let me know - My facebook url is: gabrielle.valentine
- Forget about exchanging gifts with each and every person out of obligation. Rather, express your love in words.
- During financial difficulties (and as an ongoing tradition, perhaps) make a "Thankful Box". Have each family member place a note in the box for what they are thankful for. On Christmas morning, start by reading Luke 2 as a family. Then, go through the Thankful Box and read the contents aloud.
- Attend and host (if you are planning to) gatherings EARLY in the month of December to assure as the holidays arrive we are not overwhelmed with obligations, thus rushing and forgetting the spirit of the season.
- Share with others who would otherwise be alone. If each of us could do this once during the month of December, think of the joy it could bring to another.
- With that said, know your limits. Limit travel with young children. Stop feeling guilty about not being at each and every extended family event full of hustle and bustle. Instead, spend quiet moments at home with your spouse/children and phone extended family later in the day on special holidays.
- Shop early. Stop feeling obligated to go overboard with the spending.
- Decorate on a set day each year.
- Set a goal for the new year, one which is both obtainable and which will better yourself.
- Keep a calendar of the events you'd like to attend. Don't beat yourself up if you don't get to each one.
- Reflect on your blessings and accomplishments.
- If you are away from all immediate family: continue a family tradition at your current residence for yourself to enjoy.
- Attend a devotional of some form. If you need a place to start, click here to search for meetinghouses in your area hosting services/events. For example, each year in my town there is a HUGE Creche exhibit with nativity scenes from around the world. Though it's put on by the LDS church, it's most definitely open to the public and too beautiful to miss.
- Use technology to your advantage. If you have a webcam, set it up to share the day with family/friends across the miles. Try setting up your webcam during dinner and gift giving, so extended family can join. In my opinion, this is far more meaningful than sending a package of gifts.
I wish you all so much peace and love this holiday season! I have truly enjoyed getting to know you more this year. This blog started as a fun way to network but I've come to look forward to your updates and enjoyable blogs.
Love Gabby
P.S. I did finally pimp out my Facebook page (kind of - I still have more pictures to add). If you'd like to follow along, let me know - My facebook url is: gabrielle.valentine
Reader Comments (5)
Great tips! I started my Christmas shopping back in July...most of it has been $.01 Ebay wins, clearance racks and thrift store finds. I watched the 2-for-1 sales online and got some killer deals (like buying Rosie a curling iron for $12, and getting a free $32 flat iron for my mom). Now that all my gift shopping is done, I am making a focused effort on just ENJOYING the season. Listening to Christmas music, helping out with service projects, remembering the "reason for the season." I brought back my Christmas decorations from storage in California this week, and put up a Christmas tree for the first time since 2005 (our family has an uncanny history of moving every Christmas). Hope you have a merry month!
I have finished most of my shopping and have tried to be realistic with my goals and ideas. Also, my husband plans his work's holiday party for January (less scheduling conflicts and great deals on rooms and catering!)
.-= Charlotte´s last blog ..http://latermom.blogspot.com/2009/11/thanksgiving-update.html" rel="nofollow">Thanksgiving Update =-.
Great tips! I try not to be too much of a grinch around the holidays, but I hate feeling obligated to buy gifts for EVERYONE! It really takes the fun out of shopping.
Sorry I'm a loser and haven't been here in a while, but I love your new layout!
Take care :)
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..http://www.itskelly.com/main/2009/12/3/yes-im-still-alive.html" rel="nofollow">Yes, I'm still alive. =-.
This may be a very creative web.
I have bookmarked this site and also I will notify my buddies regarding it.
Many thanks
It is a excellent website.
I have bookmarked the page and also I am going to tell my friend regarding it.
Thankfully