Hints for a Happy, Healthy Holiday

The news media portrays the Christmas holidays as one of the cheeriest seasons of the year, however, it can be a stressful and depressing time for many.  It is a time when those who are single or divorced may feel lonely or isolated.  When the unemployed worry because they may not have enough money to make ends meet, much less buy expensive presents.  A time when the homeless huddle in overcrowded shelters.  A time when parents are stressed by heavy traffic on the streets and long lines at the mall.  Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves during the Christmas holidays?  Is there any such thing as a perfect Christmas, Kwanza, or New Year's?  I doubt it.  However, the December holidays can fulfill and enrich the human spirit if we focus on what's important.  Here are a few ideas to help make yours less stressful.

1. Don't overspend.  Make a budget for gifts and stick to it.
2. Keep gift giving simple. Give homemade gifts such as home baked cookies, certificates for babysitting, house cleaning, or a ride to the airport or doctor's office.
3. Invite a friend or neighbor over for lunch or dinner.  Go to the movies, or pop popcorn and watch videos.
4. Volunteer time to your favorite charity, or visit the sick at a hospital or nursing home. Give toys to a toy drive or donate to your favorite charity.
5. Go to church, a synagogue or mosque.  Many churches hold candlelight Christmas eve services.
6. Treat yourself to a hot bath with scented oils or candles.
7. Start a gratitude journal to record all the things you have to be thankful for.
8. Exercise and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
9. Get a group of friends together and go caroling.
10. Read a good book.
11. Read Luke 1:27 to remind yourself of the meaning of Christmas.
12. Plan a potluck dinner to avoid having to do all the cooking on Christmas day.
13. Laugh much and don't take yourself too seriously.
14. Avoid overeating and overdrinking.  Too much sugar and alcohol can lead to depression.
15. Pray or meditate to stay connected to Spirit.
16. Call an old friend you haven't talked to in a while.
17. Forgive someone you've held a grudge against.
18. Set boundaries on the  number of parties you attend, if you are not up to it.
19. Play music, sing, and dance.
20. Learn something new, or start a new hobby.

Wishing you peace, love, and joy during the holiday season.