eFax of Life from CBMC Heartland

Holiday Stress

Let’s be honest. Though holidays are supposed to be happy, fun-filled family times – that’s not always true.

As we approach Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year – the expectation of laughter and joyous relationships can often be offset by an undercurrent of bitterness, unresolved hurts, on-going resentments, differing agendas and styles.

“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you always got!”

Let’s consider some proactive changes:

  1. Acknowledge where there is pain. Then modify the old traditions – or start something new. You can’t change others. But, you can change yourself.
  2. You don’t have to attend all the parties, eat all the food, drink all the booze. Stay rested, get exercise, eat right.
  3. Get on a scale and check your weight now. Set goals.
  4. Travel saps energy from everyone. Make allowances.
  5. Too many people staying in too small a place creates tension. Use a motel? Stay shorter?
  6. Set your holiday $$$ budget. Now.
  7. When sending a ‘family and friends holiday letter’ – be real. Share some pain/problems. If you can’t share tough stuff with people – take them off the mailing list.
  8. Sending pictures? I don’t want to see just your kids. You’re my friend – get in the picture, too.
  9. Fruit cakes? If you get them and don’t like them – please send them to me.
  10. Holidays = food, football, and biggest shopping (debt-creating) days = beginning of the season for the highest number of suicides.
  11. Men – get a clue! Most wives are TIRED! So, uncomplicate life. When I asked Liz what she thought about us having an office open-house, I could tell she didn’t have the margin in her life that would let her enjoy the time. She’s more important to me than my office activities. We’re not having an open-house.
  12. Had the fireplace cleaned a couple weeks back. Today, I have a cord of firewood delivered ($110). Time to slow the pace. Read and reflect. Last year we took the family to Key West in early January and stayed a week in a buddy’s condo. This year – Liz and I are hoping to go with friends on a ‘bare-foot cruise’ later in January. We try to avoid crowds of people and crowding our schedule.
  13. Every year I take a photo inventory of the house and office, and then store the undeveloped film ‘off-site’ in case I need a record for fire or theft.
  14. This is the season when Liz and I buy new planners and lay out goals for the coming year.
  15. Remember the reason for the season.

On Nov. 19, 1620 the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. Their own historian, William Bradford, wrote they “blessed the God of Heaven, Who had brought them over the fast and furious ocean…and a sea of troubles before. ‘Let them therefore, praise the Lord, because He is good and His mercies endure forever’ - 1 Chronicles 16:34.

Maybe as you reflect on this past year, you too feel you’ve had a fast, furious, troubled journey. And, like the Pilgrims, you see many challenges ahead. Yet – the Pilgrims stopped, gave thanks to God and shared what they had with their Native Americans Indian neighbors.

I suggest we do the same: pause, reflect, give thanks, share with those in need.

"With Jesus’ help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of His name. Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to God" - Hebrews 13:15-16.

CBMC Heartland, 11/22/02

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