The holiday season is the most hectic and exciting time of the year. Traffic is atrocious and the streets and highways of the city are packed with people in a hurry. Money is so tight that you can squeeze green juice out of it and everyone wants something from you, especially your time, which is always in short supply this time of year. So how do you find and keep the Christmas spirit when all you want to do is hide under the covers and stay there until February? Read on, my tired and stressed friend. You may find something useful.
The most important thing you can do to make your Christmas less stressful is to do your Christmas shopping early. Granted, you can’t shop for everyone early because some kids, particularly older teens, will want the latest version of any tech gadget that comes out just in time for Christmas. However, you can do most of your shopping early enough that the rest seems easy by comparison. There is a day in the United States called Black Friday. As sinister as it sounds, it’s actually a day that can benefit holiday shoppers in a very big way. All major retail stores set aside this day to have big sales of up to 80% off regular retail prices. In fact, they open their doors at 3 am and stay open until midnight in many cases. However, the sooner it arrives, the better the selection. This is a great day to do everything (almost everything) regarding your Christmas shopping.
Take your time. Any time you need to drive during the holiday season, leave early and plan to take your time. Drive slowly and be as courteous as possible to idiots who have no clue and drive like bats out of hell. You will be much happier if you really try to be happy in traffic than if you let the craziness get to you. Smile at everyone you make eye contact with. You may find that there are more of you drivers being careful than you think. Play a nice and moving Christmas CD in your car and sing along. Control your breathing and remember that this will not last and that you will be fine. Don’t forget to stop by the post office to mail your letters from Santa Claus or pick up your letters from Santa Claus. The kids will love receiving them just in time for Christmas.
Doing something nice for someone is a great way to feel good about yourself and get into the holiday spirit. This is especially true if you’re doing something nice for a complete stranger or someone you don’t necessarily like very much. Start by doing little things like holding a door open for someone or letting someone with fewer items stand in front of you and your full shopping cart at the grocery store or department store. Smile at everyone you meet and say Merry Christmas to everyone who talks. Drop off a bill at the Salvation Army bell instead of change. Send as many Christmas cards as you can and always include a personal message. These are sure ways to get into the spirit.
My mother always said that the way to a great Christmas is through the womb of those you love. Walk into that kitchen and cook up some love with baked goods that will have the neighbors knocking on her door. There’s nothing like leaving a batch of homemade cookies on your neighbor’s doorstep to build goodwill and spark that holiday spirit. It truly is a season of giving.