Christmas is not my favorite time of the year. Although to many, the opposite is true. Along with the festive season comes a lot of work, extra time shopping for that perfect gift and grocery line ups with carts full of turkey and ham. Me, I prefer to hide during this time of the year. If I have to shop, it happens when everyone is sleeping or the very first thing I do in the day. Too many people, too many things to do, too many things to think about, and yes, too much money spent.
However, we do create our own stress and therefore, we are in control of moderating this to a minimum.
It's crucially important this time of the year to take a breather in the midst of trying to get that long list of errands done! Take the time to think about what's really important in your life. Your family and friends are the most important part of the holidays, not the gift you bought. For many of our elderly, families stop to visit long before Christmas appears. Take a few minutes and stop by your local nursing home to spread the spirit of Christmas. The kids and I did this one year as our Christmas celebration. The number of smiles we received far outweighed the Christmas cookies we baked.
Take the time to appreciate what the year has brought to your life - the good and the not so good. Think how rich you are in family, friends, careers and personal achievements. For my Mom, this was her favorite time of the year where she knew she could get all 6 of her children, and 14 grandchildren under the same roof fighting over her tortieres and sugar pies. For me this year, Christmas is extra special with my son leaving for Basic Military Training on January 5.
Don't stress about the holidays. It isn't worth it! We all have so much to be thankful for, each and every day. Wake up every morning with thanks and love in your heart for everyone, afterall in the end, we all want and need the same thing - appreciation, recognition, love, respect, dignity and understanding.
Lucie Fournier
Founder/Workplace Health Strategist
www.fournierhealth.com
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