Tis the season to be Jolly or bah humbug
The Christmas season is in full swing bringing feelings of joy and good will to some and a time of dread and depression to others.
What can make this time period such a downer is not hard to explain. Stress from a higher level of physical exhaustion, financial drain on an already tight budget, and relationship that are put to a test of at a time of holiday cheer.
With work, caring for families and now often extended family members, we are stretched thin when time is scarce. This puts all of on a never ending treadmill. There is cooking , cleaning, shopping, decorating, and a merry-go-round of social functions. It’s no wonder that we start to feel less than merry.
I am afraid that this year will be really hard due to the bad economy that the government has just recognized as a recession. How will we meet the needs of our families and give presents when we don’t know if our jobs will be around next month?
The next thing that puts a damper on holidays is relationships which are tricky in the best of times. Holidays can bring out the best or worst at these times. Too much pressure trying to make it a Hallmark moment. Old hurts and feelings are often stirred up. Then there is the feelings of a lost lover, or ones no longer in our lives. People who don’t have families are or separated from them really feel lost and isolated at this time of year.
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What can we do to survive this season without falling apart?
We can cut down on some of the exhaustion by not over extending ourselves with task and obligations. Learn to say NO! Be realistic with just what you can do, Delegate! Don’t try to be super person.
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How do we get through this time of year with less money?
It won’t be easy but this calls for a new mind set. Making presents or telling friends and family that you are setting a limit on spending is a start. You might be surprised! They might welcome this. Maybe getting together as a group and spend a day giving time at charity will really bring back the real feeling of what the season is all about.
Relationships and all the dynamics that surround them takes a little work. First don’t try to settle old problems. This is a time for a truce. Alcohol brings out the worst in the best of us. Maybe people need to be aware of how much they are drinking. Everyone will be feeling some stress and most don’t want the discord would like to practice patient and forgiveness. Isn’t that what the season is all about after all?
Merry Xmas and good luck. You can and will survive this season. Wlth a little work it doesn’t have to have you feeling like the Grunch!