Chri$tmas Care Tip$

Is the stress of preparing for Christmas robbing you of your JOY this holiday season?
Here are a few tips to help you through the holidays.

1) Take control of your schedule and eliminate those events which stress you out. It might be the office cookie exchange party (let them know you'll be bringing store bought this year) or Secret Santa, party or dinner out (you'd love to but...just can't fit it in...sorry!) Take a good hard look at where you spend your time and trim out all of the events that don't bring you or your family JOY. (OK, you might have to go to Aunt Mildred's again this and every year...for the sake of family harmony)

2) Take control of your budget. Know how much you can spend and be brutal sticking to it. The presents ARE NOT the main reason for this celebration...

3) Practice saying NO. Repeat. See #s 1 and 2

4) SLOW down. Take a moment each day to organize your tasks. Eliminate all but the top 3 things. Pray, meditate or take a brisk walk to regain your perspective. Savor the walk from your car into the mall (it's exercise). Practice clearing your mind.

5) Keep things simple and uncomplicated: presents can be placed in gift bags, meals can be catered or use a frozen dinner for a quick bite during the weeks leading up to the big day. FOCUS on the relationships...not your to do list.

6) Rest one day a week. If it's good enough for the creator of the universe...it's good enough for you.

7) Count your blessings by being of Service others-whether it is just by letting the mom with the crying toddler go in front of you in the checkout line, offering a word of encouragement to the harried clerk or ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, serving breakfast at the local homeless shelter or visiting an elderly resident in a nursing home.

8) Allow others to help. Employ the "It's good enough Strategy". This works for things like decorating, cleaning, baking and wrapping. Even the youngest family member can help if given the right project!

9) Breathe...take a warm bath, light a scented candle. Hug your mate and children (repeat), sing carols (LOUDLY), appreciated the beauty, sights, sounds and smells of the holiday! Be purposeful about it and you'll feel your stress melting away.

Merry Christmas!