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I can’t believe it but 2019 has almost gone Wow! As Christmas rolls around, it can be either a season of cheer or a season to fear. The stress of the holidays, with all its planning, negotiating – whose parents should you visit this year? – and the financial strain of gift-giving can make you want to head out bush. However don’t let Christmas pull you and your family apart. Take a look at the suggestions below and if it’s too late for this year there will always be opportunities to tweek things for another time. Have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season peppered with “Hope,” “Love,” “Joy,” & “Peace. With Lots of love and gratitude to You Huntingdale Primary School, I’ll see you in the New Year. Jenny x
SIX WAYS TO CREATE A MORE PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS
Slow down and simplify. I know. It sounds easier than it is. But slowing down allows us to see and appreciate the things that matter most, and that is key to a peaceful holiday and a peaceful life. “It is precisely when stress is overwhelming us that we most need to slow down and intentionally take the exit off the speeding highway and opt for the slower scenic route. You will find a richness to life that you’ll wonder how you’ve missed it all this time.” Therefore ask yourself, “What are the most important parts of my life? Am I giving them the attention they deserve or am I so busy I’m missing it? What do I need to do to really focus on what matters most?”
Ask each family member which holiday traditions/activities matter most to them. I asked my kids to list their top three. The things they said they couldn’t do without were simple and meaningful– Ask your family and see what they say. You may be surprised how little it actually takes to make a perfectly peaceful and enjoyable Christmas for everyone. (Ask: “What activities or traditions are the most important to you?” Then, listen and write them down. And be sure to ask yourself.)
Say no to things that don’t really matter. Once you know what’s truly important to your family, say no to those things that aren’t. I have learned to say “no” to activities that make my family or me feel stressed (or aren’t mandatory for my kids!) in the month of December. If I enjoy going to a holiday party or concert–if it brings meaning and peace to my family and me–then I will go. If not, I am learning to just say, “no,” and it makes such a difference. (Ask, “Does this bring peace or joy to my life?” If not, let it go.)
Say “yes” to the things that matter most. As I learned years ago, saying “no” is really saying “yes” to something better. When you free up your schedule from activities that aren’t important to your family, you can then focus on those that are. Say “yes” to quality family time, meaningful exchanges with those you love, and serving those less fortunate. Saying “yes” to the important things makes life so much richer and Christmas so much more peaceful. (Ask, “How can saying ‘no’ to one thing free me up to say ‘yes’ to something better?” “What things deserve my ‘yes’ at this time?”)
Simplify gifts, and add more meaning. One of the most stressful parts of the holidays, for many people, is the shopping. Instead, try a “4-Gift Christmas”. To cut down on time and money spent on Christmas gifts, my family switched to the “four-gift Christmas” a few years ago. Each child gets four gifts–a gift of wonder (the thing they really want), a gift of need (clothes, underwear, socks?), a gift of meaning (my favourite–I pick–usually a homemade blanket, scrapbook, or maybe a family trip), and a “Santa” gift. This has made Christmas shopping so much simpler for me, and it gives me more time to spend with my family. Also, I have the kids give each other a “service” instead of a gift. It’s a great way to get them loving and serving one another and is so much more meaningful. (Ask, “What could make my holiday shopping less stressful? What could make gift-giving more meaningful?) 4.
Bring the True Spirit of Christmas to your home.
Focus on themes like, “Hope,” “Love,” “Joy,” & “Peace,” this is one way to keep your family’s minds and hearts focused on the meaning of the season. Think about what Christmas really means to you, then seek ways to bring that meaning into your home each day. (Ask, “What helps my family/me focus more on the true meaning of Christmas? Implement those things.)
Serve with a joyful heart. If there is one thing that brings greater peace, it is service. Look around for opportunities to serve others and do it. Make a goal to help one person each day, and have your family members do the same. Adopt a family, give a gift to a needy child, give someone a ride, or even just listen. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, but service and charity are what Christmas is all about. And serving others is the quickest way to lighten and brighten your own heart, too. (Ask, “How can I serve today?” Then, do it.)
