Guest Author - April Alisa Marquette
The holiday season can be beautiful. Yet for many of us it can also be a taxing, demanding and even worrisome time. We rush here and there. We remember family members' requests. We cook, clean; we make lists, we get the kids. We have guests arriving, and in the midst of the gazillion events we're slated to attend, we may even find ourselves awake at night. Yes, wondering how we're going to get it all done, before the big day.
Stop though. I want you to take a minute, for you. Take a minute to breathe too. Do so deeply. Now think about this... For some of us things have changed. Yet we continue to operate as we did back when things were different. Perhaps you're someone who has experienced a type of downsizing. Maybe your company pared down departments, and yours was one that had to go. Maybe you've noticed that the lavish holiday celebrations of years past are no more, or they just aren't the same. Maybe the bonus that you used to receive has dwindled, or perhaps it just gone, altogether. Or maybe things are great for you, yet your mindset has changed. Maybe you simply desire to get out of the chaotic spin that seemingly always accompanies this time of year.
What I'm saying is, since other things have changed, why don't we? Why keep operating as we once did, under differing circumstances? Ethnic beauties, if we make a few minor changes we can cut or minimize the stress that seems an adjunct to the holidays.
One way to do so would be -- if you have a large family, say a heap of nieces and nephews that you normally buy for, and their parents, and the grandparents, as well as the in-laws, and other adult stragglers, why not do 'kids only' gifts? Just suggest to the adults that you'd like to do this. You can explain your reason(s) for wanting this or not. Someone may not agree, but I'm going to tell you like my late father often told me, "Don't allow other people to spend your money." If you follow this ‘kids only’ suggestion, you will be amazed at you how much stress you will eliminate. Not to mention, you'll save time, gas, and money --some of which you can spend on your honey, if you so desire.
You know all those cards you send to people just because they've sent you one? Stop that. Send e-cards, or do traditional snail mail, but only to treasured friends and loved ones. Right about now, stores are knocking up to 40% off cards. Remember, sending these little mementos are a great way to connect with people that you don't often get to see. Those that you do see, offer lovely heartfelt words, or give them a meaningful hug.
Make only one of your famous cakes or pies for the family gathering. You know others are going to bring sweets too. (So what, theirs won’t be as good as yours? ~wink) Oh, and why not pick the affair that you'd most like to attend and do so. Then enjoy yourself, knowing that you won't have to rush away to someplace else that you'd rather not go. Darling beauties, I am sure that armed with the suggestions above, you can think of quite a few others, ways that you can cut holiday stress.
After all, the reason for the season is the most precious gift of all--the one for which we do not have to search or pay...
I trust you’ll remember these things, and of course, be blessed.
