3 Ways to Survive the Christmas Rush

One week until Christmas! The countdown has started to the day where we may feel like everything needs to be “right”. It is can be a time with many special moments and a time where we may feel over stretched and stressed. We also may be dealing with grief and/or loss which the holidays tend to lead us to remember. Hopefully the following simple tips may help you manage the hustle and bustle, stress, and joy of this time of year:

1.Keep your boundaries: Say no when you need to. If you can’t do something asked of you that is going to hurt you financially or if something is being asked of you that will completely stress you out, say no. We can do this gently, directly, and charitably through soft startups. Some soft startup examples may sound like, “I unfortunately do not have the money I had last year, can we draw names for a gift exchange instead of getting gifts for everyone?” or “I am overwhelmed by all the cooking that needs to be done. I can do the main dish if others can bring the sides dishes.” Here is a place where you can learn more about soft startups: https://www.therapistaid.com/worksheets/i-statements

2. Stay away from isolating: We may feel so overwhelmed that we want to isolate. Say yes to help with a project and invitations to do things that fill you up with love, joy, and peace. Say yes to hanging out with that person/people that fill you up. Say yes to someone who wants to help making food, buy presents, or help you clean up! Mark down a few things you love about the holidays and try to keep those going. What are your favorite Christmas traditions? I love making and decorating sugar cookies, going to look at Christmas lights, and watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Write down some simple things you look forward to and you think you are able to accomplish. Having them to look forward to and doing them may help boost your mood.

3.Reason to celebrate: What is your reason to celebrate? Christmas is about the coming of Christ. Take some time each day to recognize the presence of God. What can you give thanks for in the midst of the holiday rush? Who or what has brought joy into your life? When and where are the holiday concerts and the liturgical services at your parish? See if you can mark down something daily or one or two things during the week that will bring your closer to God. Some people love going to midnight mass (there may be caroling before mass begins if you like that). I love the “O Antiphons”. You can pray with them nightly and they have helped me prepare for Christmas for years now. Here is more about them: https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/what-are-the.html?fbclid=IwAR3z4V4VFq6YvaSwhqS0DN59A7dccPJm-zl1eYYb4crBw8iit1Pl49QvfP0

I hope anyone reading this has a very blessed Christmas! Take care of yourself during this time so you can find joy, give thanks, and celebrate the coming of Christ. If you are having a difficult time this time of yea, I have been there and encourage you to reach out to people who may be of good support. I am praying for you all!