It’s hard to believe it, but we are only a few days from Christmas already. Many people are in the last minute shopping, rush to prepare everything, pull your hair out crazy, mode. It is easy to fall into this routine every year- trying to have that ‘perfect’ Christmas, forcing tradition in the name of ‘good’ memories, and trying to reproduce the type of Christmas found only on the screen and in lore. While it is easy to fall into this type of behavior, I try to avoid it by remembering a few simple things:
-If you’re tired and stressed out, no one will have fun around you. The only memories will be of ‘so and so being grouchy all weekend.’ Relax, rest, and enjoy yourself.
-In the same vein, don’t try to force it. You don’t have to have every second planned. Relax, rest, and let the spontaneous happen. There’s no need to get in the way of it.
-Eat sensibly. No, don’t start on ‘salads only’ the week of Christmas. That’s just setting yourself up for failure. Eat sensibly: reasonable portions, limited junk food, drink plenty of water. You will feel better if you aren’t bloated, and sleep better without the associated heartburn.
-Volunteer. Remembering that there are always people that are worse off than we are helps us to be thankful. Volunteering in some fashion to help the less fortunate helps us focus on something other than ourselves, immediately getting us out of the ‘woe is me’ mindset, and helping lift spirits all around.
-Remember why we celebrate. It isn’t the gifts, nor the family gatherings, nor the mall, nor the tv specials. A special Gift was given, one to be celebrated for all time. Take some time and get to church. Singing carols by candlelight is one of the most relaxing, mind clearing things a person can do during this season.
When you have time, drive by and listen to the lights. They run every night from 5:30p.m. until about 10:45p.m. We are still collecting monetary donations for KCRM, and we are out on the drive many evenings, handing out candy. Come by and say hi!
