Survivng the Holidays

[sbarton1220]

I just posted an article on how to survive the holidays and get through them with as little stress as possible. What are you doing to eliminate stress? Cutting back on gifts or parties? Changing how you decorate for the holidays? Let's discuss!

[Sarah]

I just read a book on this subject, called "Hundred Dollar Holiday". I found it to be very inspiring, as it talked about simplifying Christmas, and focusing on the joy of the season, rather than being stressed out about all the presents, decorations, and planning. What I got from it was that overall, it is an occasion for celebration. And the rest just doesn't matter. Take it or leave it, it doesn't matter. So if the lights go out on my Christmas tree? Meh. No big deal. If I don't spend $50 on a gift for someone? Meh. If they love it, does it really matter whether it cost $5 or $50? Nope. In a nutshell, I'm just focusing on celebrating the birth of my Saviour with the people who matter most to me. With or without the glitzy glamour, that's what I'm doing to eliminate stress. Sorry this was so long. If anyone is interested in reading the book, you can just Google it and you'll get links - or check it out of the library.
Cheers,
Sarah in Australia

[Chris Anderson]

I agree with Sarah, keeping it simple is also my plan for this year. I want to focus on our simple family holiday traditions, simple decorating, simple gifts, simple baking, enjoying the wonderful music and most importantly centering the holiday on Christ and His birth. The "reason for the season". Sometimes I think we all get so busy with the hustle and bustle, that we forget why we are giving and who we are celebrating.
I do wish everyone a very Happy Holiday Season.
Best wishes, Chris

[Jennifer Reynolds]

This has been on my mind for months now. I hate all the hustle and bustle that accompanies the holidays. I love seeing all the gorgeous decorations and going to all the fabulous parties, but it does get to be too much. So, for my giftts this year, I will be baking. I love to bake, so that's not a chore for me. And I love receiving gifts that are homemade. It just seems so much more meaningful. With this economy, everyone needs to stretch their budget. I've chosen to spend my money on my kids, and give the baked goods to my friends. And this year, we're staying home for Christmas instead of trying to see the whole family. It's going to be a very quiet, lazy, wonderful Christmas this year.

Jennifer
Come visit me at cancermommy.ning.com

[Lori]

I say the women should sneak away and get pedicures!

[sbarton1220]

Amen to that!