STRESS? HUH? WHAT?

 

I hear so many people saying they are dreading Christmas coming. They cant take the stress. WHAT STRESS? We only stress our own self out when we approach the holidays in the wrong frame of mind. If it were the will of many they would rush the days and time just to get past it. I truly realize that some don't embrace the holidays like others and that is ok. I also realize that holiday time can be bittersweet because of loved ones we have lost, I totally get that part because I miss my grandparents and my dad so much and even more at holiday time and we go on the best we can in hope of meeting them again in Heaven. We hold on to the good times and mentally try to continue to include them in spirit so believe me I get that part.

The stress that many complain of has nothing to do with the aforementioned and everything to do with the commercialism of Christmas. I always say do what you can within your means, there is no shame in that, actually its very wise. Don't worry about how somebody else's house is decorated in comparison to yours or how many gifts will be under somebody else's tree verses what will be under yours. Stress comes when you try to keep up with the Joneses knowing you cant and why should you anyways. Just be you and work with what you have, do what you can and let the days flow. Never put yourself under pressure trying to do EVERYTHING and especially the UNNECESSARY just do what makes you and your family happy and don't worry about what you cant do that perhaps you see others doing.

Christmas is not a competition its a time for family and making memories and just enjoying a time of love and peace and being extra thankful to God that He sent his son to be born of a virgin to give His life a ransom for man. It's not about buying things for the world. Giving gifts is a choice but not the main part of the the celebration at Christmastime. The real gift was given by God in giving his Son, Christ, Jesus. That is the ultimate love gift.

I am not saying buying things or love gifts for others is wrong or even forbidden, I am just saying its a small aspect of what Christmas truly is about and that in itself is not stressful if you can do it and if you cant worry not. You can certainly give and share love with others without buying something from a store. No, there is nothing wrong with decorating but don't neglect things that need to be taken care of on a regular and or borrow and go broke trying to prove something. Whether you decorate in a minimal or maximalist fashion one is no less or better than the other and Christmas will still be Christmas.

I love the aspect of family gathered, breaking bread together, the laughter, the still quiet when folks are eating and thinking to themselves oh my goodness this is so good, lol, and just grateful to add today's memories to yesterday's. It's the feeling, it's the mindset, it's the heart. My sweet Baltimore grandmother was never a big decorator like her granddaughter. I am talking a tree and single candle in the window, no dancing santas and blinking frosty the snowmen. I LOOOOOOOVED it because it was not about the decorations it was about going to see grandma and being up under her and eating ham and butter cake and the candy she would stash under the bed for me because she knew mommy didn't want to me to over eat chocolate. That is what gives me the warm fuzies, that Greyhound or Trailways bus ride to Maryland. Oh my goodness I can't tell you how much I treasure that now but miss it so. I miss her house and seeing her so much it could make me ill if I let it but I know I have to go on and continue to have the holidays for the both of us. Now that is some Christmas memories right there! People need to calm down and stop putting pressure on themselves. So what you cant afford to get this and you cant afford to get that it makes you no less, your are still blessed!!!! Which is more important, a roof over your head, clothes on your back, food on your table, your health and strength or keeping up with the joneses?

Enjoy the holidays my friends and tell stress when you see or feel it coming to hit the road you have no room for it in your mind or home!!!!!

Peace and Blessings!!!!!!