How to Silence Sneaky Seasonal Stress

Did you promise yourself this year would be different?

Holidays would be simpler?

Gifts would be minimized?

The house would smell of fresh baked cookies?

You wouldn’t get sucked into buying blue and white Hanukkah garland for your front door?

And yet, do you find yourself curled up in an internal stress ball with a clenched jaw wondering how another holiday is slipping by without a sense of purpose? Do you just want to be done with—the wrapping, the shipping, the year end reports, the money stress, the worry about getting the “right” gift, the traveling, the being alone/jobless/single/divorced/unhappily married/childless/overweight/in poor health or any of the litany of things holiday seasons seem to magnify?

Here are some thoughts that bring me comfort. Please feel free to add your own!

1. What matters? I know this seems obvious, but stress this time of year is sneaky. It comes in sideways and challenges your normal ability to prioritize. So ask yourself, “does this really matter?” Then either let it go or just get it done. Worrying over it will get you no where.

2. What helps? Do you feel unsettled because you’ve cut out some of your daily rituals to make more time? Would it help you to go for a run or a walk? How about giving peace space by cleaning up some of the clutter that’s accumulated thanks to your role as chief elf? Maybe you need to find your desktop so you have a few square feet of managed space? Whatever helps, take time to do it. These are the times it is most important to listen to your inner voice and take heed of the restorative advice it offers.

3. Be still. How else will you make your inner voice heard? Snuggle with a child. Snuggle with a book. Brew a cup of tea and sit quietly for a moment or five and don’t let your mind turn to what you could be doing with the time instead. Turn off the radio and make yourself sit still in your car for two full minutes before you go in. Use that time to offer prayers for all you have.

4. Be grateful. Regardless of what you want or think you need, offer gratitude for what you have. Be grateful even for the things you don’t want—there is something of value in everything.

5. Jesus doesn’t mind. Okay…I’ll lose some of you here, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say, Jesus is not the only reason for the season.This season has tremendous historical significance for many cultures and religions. So, don’t be too judgmental of yourself or others if you think they’ve forgotten what Christmas is all about I think Jesus would prefer that you let go of one more heaping helping of guilt and go love people instead. Starting with yourself. You’ll be surprised at how much more generous your heart feels when it is full.

Peace to all of you my friends. You must reclaim it. You must practice it. You must share it. Then goodness will grow.

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