Holiday Mayhem
No sooner have the plates been cleared from Thanksgiving dinner when the pressure to begin holiday shopping commences. The traditional day off after Thanksgiving could be a great day to relax, enjoy friends and family, see a movie or even set intentions for the coming year. Instead it has become that manic day known as “Black Friday.” No rest for the weary, often the same people who cooked that huge meal the day before. No, if you want the really good sales, it’s best to be up by day-break.
Normally peaceful people come to blows over coveted video games and the average retail associate contemplates crying and/or quitting. Advertisements for holiday gifts and sales flood the television, radio and newspapers. Children suddenly become as knowledgeable on new products as an advertising executive, neatly writing up wish-lists and carefully dog earring must-have pages in catalogues.
Certainly, there is nothing wrong with giving friends and family a material token of appreciation at the holidays. It feels just as good to give as it does to get. However, in this ultra-material age, we must be mindful of showing our children that love and gratitude doesn’t just come in a shopping bag at Christmas. When it comes to the adult members of the family, it can be silly to spend money on each other when we just don’t need another scarf. Try doing a Secret Santa or grab-bag with a reasonable price-limit. Perhaps you and your family will forgo gifts for older members altogether in place of a group trip or outing or perhaps a donation to a favorite charity. A gift certificate for a night of baby-sitting is often the most cherished gift for busy young families.
It is also important that those who create the magic of Christmas for their families (usually the women of the household) are able to enjoy this time of year as well. Too often it is simply one more stressor in their already busy lives. Between shopping for g (or seven) of those red and green sugar cookies hanging out in the office begin to look mighty tempting. It’s a way to bring some (artificial) sweetness into a hectic day, not to mention a burst of short-lived energy.
If you are the holiday magic-maker in your own home, make sure that you schedule self-care into your sure to be packed December and January. A lunch-hour massage or meditation or an evening soak in the tub with some candles can work wonders. Be open with your family about your needs before you get to the breaking point. Most children would happy to help bake cookies, make cards, and wrap gifts. You and your partner can share the shopping and decorating duties by planning ahead of time.
If you know someone who is often responsible for running the holiday activities, a little pampering can make a great holiday gift. Help children make gift certificates cleaning the bathroom or kitchen. A massage, acupuncture or reiki treatment or even just a home-cooked made with plenty of love is a great way to thank them for all the care they give others.
With a little foresight, the month of December can be a time of joy and peace for all!
