By: Christine Crosby
We look forward to holiday family gatherings with anticipation and delight (and sometimes a little dread). Many times we build up our expectations so high that we create anxiety. We worry about buying the “right” gifts, the house being perfect; shopping, cleaning, cooking that we end up stressed and pooped out before the family arrives.
Start this holiday season by learning to breathe deep; Take big deep breathes; let it out and relax. Repeat before you answer the phone, open the door or open your mouth. Remember, as goes the breath, so goes the brain and nervous system.
- Don’t compare yourself, your home or family with some imaginary story book/magazine image of the perfect family gathering. Families aren’t perfect and if you start by accepting that fact everything will be more relaxed and fun.
- Bring out the family photo albums and put where all can see. Put colorful holiday bows on the covers to signify the gift of family. This is sure to start the conversation rolling, sharing memories and getting in the spirit of making new ones.
- Select some of your favorite family digital pictures and have them rotate on your computer screen saver and/or on one of those cool digital display frames.
- Have on hand a couple of those time honored favorite family movies that everyone will enjoy, pop the corn, sit back, relax and have a family movie night.
- If you can’t be with some family members, call them while you are trimming the tree or putting up lights….Be sure to put the grandkids on the phone. Skype if you can.
- Don’t slave away in the kitchen all by yourself; invite others (especially children) to join you. If you don’t already have a treasured holiday recipe, create one; it’s never too late. One day if you are lucky, you will be someone’s GRANDparent and they will cherish your recipe.
- Honor a loved one…buy a brick, plant a tree, or a special donation to church or charity in their name.log # 7 Christine Crosby
