Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays on the planet.
And, with only 10 days of Christmas shopping left, we can make this a festive season without spending a fortune by giving to everyone and doing it all!
A simple quote that sums it up nicely:
When giving gifts at Christmas, we must recognize that sharing our time and ourselves is a very important part of giving.
Gordon B. Hinckley
Here are four simple tips for managing your stress this holiday season:
1. Plan your budget. And it’s not too late to trim your list down to just 10 days of shopping. If necessary, tell people that you are going to reduce the number of gifts this year. To your surprise, they will understand and will most likely be relieved. Most of us have too much ‘stuff’ in our lives anyway.
They would probably be happy if they knew you were giving a gift to a local charity.
Barrie Christmas Cheer Helps families in Barrie, Innisfil, Alliston, Oro-Medonte, Angus and other surrounding communities in South Simcoe County.
2. make time for others – Your relationships with others is the greatest gift of all and provides timeless and priceless memories. Cherish those moments! Party planning: Shop with a helper and catch up while planning the event.
Christmas is a time for everyone to give, not just you.
3. Involve family members helping out with chores could mean all the difference between enjoying Christmas or just putting up with it. Baking, cooking, preparing and decorating for your festival celebration is another multitasking opportunity. Take advantage of this situation where you can catch up with friends and loved ones. Play Christmas music, chat, laugh and catch up. Lots of hands make work light and a lot of fun.
4. Take time for yourself. Take time for quiet, relaxing activities. Going to the spa is wonderful, but a long hot bath listening to your favorite music or just enjoying some peace and quiet could also help regenerate your soul. It’s even okay to disconnect from technology. Cell phones and computers have power buttons. Say no to distractions. If it is really necessary for someone to contact you, they will call a landline or introduce themselves.
Keeping things simple, spending time with friends and loved ones, and asking for help can really make this Christmas a celebration to remember.
Merry Christmas everyone and have a Happy and Prosperous 2018.