5 Ways to Enjoy the Christmas Season & Avoid Holiday Stress

I love Christmas. Everything about it makes me feel incredibly festive. From lights to cookies, presents to decorations… it just makes things so cozy. People get a little crazy this time of year especially with amazing Christmas light displays.

I just wish everyone would remember that this is a season of love. People are so stressed out about the holidays and wanting everything to be perfect. It takes away from the sheer enjoyment of the season. I’ve learned the hard way (as I learn most things) to take a step back and relax in the moment.

1. Do what you can and leave the rest. So what if not every decoration you have is up in your house? Or that not everyone on your block got a dozen homemade cookies in a personalized tin? Be reasonable about what you can actually get done and stop when you need a break. The world will not end if you don’t get your Christmas cards out by December 10th and they have to wait until the 12th. No need for all-nighters.
2. Sometimes store-bought is okay. I know, I know… I had that post awhile ago about my list of handmade gifts for everyone I know and do you know how many I’ve actually gotten done? Zero. That’s right. I’ve started three, so that’s something, but I’ve decided that some of the gifts I wanted to make for friends and family are going to become birthday gifts or slated for next year.
3. Be a little silly. No time to sing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” at the stop of your lungs while driving home? Of course there is! Being silly reminds us what Christmas is at its core: a magical child-like time of year. Enjoy it.
4. No complaining. I made my schedule, no sense it crabbing about it. Yes, there’s snow. It’s December. Why wouldn’t there be snow? All the sweaters are gone? Oh well, let’s look at the fleece blankets instead. There’s nothing worth getting THAT worked up over.
5. Enjoy the ones you love. Christmas is a time for family. Time and again, I’ve seen people I know lose sight of that as they make plans, organize dinners, schedule trips, and make last minute runs to the grocery store. My family is the most important group of people in my life this time of year (and always, but you know what I mean). My kids and I have loved baking and coloring pictures this year and I fully intend to continue it. Yes, I need some “me” time here and there, but Christmas is all about togetherness. I don’t ever want to forget that.

Above all else, I remember what this season is all about. It’s about the faith in a God that loved us so much he sent an infant to us that would sacrifice everything for us. It’s not about the presents and it’s not about the music or even the food. It’s about an eternal love that we cannot fully express because there are no words to articulate it. Have a wonderful Christmas season everyone!