5 tips for a stress-free holiday
Photo by Andre Benz via Unsplash
We are in the midst of National Stress-Free Family Holidays Month!
December is a busy time for us all. As I was looking at my packed calendar, I felt some anxiety creep in. When will I get everything done? Will it be good enough? When will I even have time to enjoy the Christmas decorations I put up all over the house? Help!
Then I came across the quote above, and it clicked. THIS is how! Shauna Niequist gave me the recipe for a stress-free holiday season and beyond (and she didn't even mean to)!
Let's break it down just a little:
1. Present over perfect
We can get so focused on everything being perfect (whether it be the food we prepare for a holiday dinner, a gift we buy for that special someone, how we look for that Christmas party, etc.), that we get sidetracked on what is important. Being present. Accepting the gift of the here and now. We miss out on enjoying the process because we are too worried about the end product or getting to the next thing on the list. Remember there is no such thing as perfect. No. Such. Thing. Extend yourself grace. Instead of worrying about how the cookies will turn out for the neighborhood cookie swap, enjoy the time in the kitchen with your kids as you bake together. Be present in the process.
2. Quality over quantity.
I confess that I want to get my kids everything they want for Christmas. There is nothing like seeing a heaping pile of presents under the tree. Let’s be honest, if we are buying tons of presents one of two things is happening (unless you are extremely wealthy, then good for you): you are buying a lot of things that are not necessarily the best quality and will therefore not last long at all, or you are buying lots of things that are great quality that cost a lot more and you are going into debt to do it (adding another layer of stress). Quality over quantity. It's not about how much is under the tree. And remember, the more you buy, the more opportunities you have for the stress of clutter to creep in.
3. Relationship over rushing
I admit the holidays get crazy busy for me and my family. With work parties, church functions, family and friend get-togethers, time can go by in a blur. And so do the people. Rushing to and fro drains us and leaves very little in our energy tanks. It’s okay to say “no” to some invitations. It’s a quality-over-quantity thing again. Quantity goes hand-in-hand with rushing. Quality goes hand-in-hand with relationship.
4. People over pressure
This goes with relationship and quality. People matter. Relationships are more important that busyness and stuff. So, it’s okay to say no to things. It’s okay to also ask for help when the pressure gets too much.
5. Meaning over mania
Take the time this holiday season to reflect on what is important to you. To notice the miracle in the mundane. To breathe deeply and be present. Being present for yourself and with others is the best present you can give.
I think tonight I am going to sit on my couch in the dark and take the time to admire the lights of the Christmas tree. And snuggle with my family.