PUT HOLIDAY STRESS TO WORK!

Here we are, approaching Christmas, and some of us are stressing out already about gifts to buy, baking, preparing the house for guests and all the many details involved. For believers, the joy and significance of Christ’s birth make a great difference in how we look at the season. Our radio preacher friend Steve Brown once pointed out that, when you go to the mall to shop in the crowds, even non-believers are there for unselfish reasons—to buy presents for other people!
I found an article on the Canadian Health Network that gave a different approach—use holiday stress to work for you! The truth is that stress gives you a certain amount of energy. The trick is not to let the stress take over. So…

• Be realistic in your planning. Don’t try to pack so many tasks, activities and stuff into your schedule. After all, you still have all of your day-to-day things to accomplish.
• Try project management. Have a look at all the steps involved in your plans for a party, decorating, etc. before you jump in.
• Involve the family in planning and make it clear to each person what their responsibilities are—picking up certain gifts, helping with housecleaning, etc. If someone offers to bring a dessert to the dinner, take them up on it.
• Are there a couple of small things you could accomplish today that would lighten the load? Take care of them, and then congratulate yourself!
• Stick to a budget! Going over just ads to stress.
• Reach out to others—needy, lonely, especially those who may be spending their first Christmas without a loved one.
• Count your blessings.
• Keep a positive attitude and don’t wring your hands about what could go wrong.
• Do something nice for yourself! Take a break and enjoy a little pampering or something you’d enjoy doing.