Continuing to Manage Christmas Related Stress

“And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!”  -Scrooge’s nephew speaking of Christmas, “A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens 

Something that invariably happens after Christmas is the trip to the store to make a return.  When I do a little after Christmas browsing I am always amazed at the people who will wait in line for hours trying to return some item.  Often we end up with something we don’t need, don’t, want, or it’s the wrong size.  Regardless, that wait at the return line can be frustrating.  And we thought that the Christmas stress was all behind us. 

Rather than return your item right after Christmas, why not be patient and wait a week or two?  By then the lines will have died down and your trip to the dreaded return department will be a little less stressful.  Better yet, do what I do; if the store you are returning your item to is open late, try returning or exchanging the item late in the evening.  Would you be surprised to find out that I have exchanged items at the store at midnight or later?  That sounds crazy, I know, but it was worth not having to wait in those long lines. 

Here are a few easy tips for managing Christmas related stress:

• Take time to relax.  If you still have some shopping to do, work into your schedule a little stop at the coffee shop.  Nothing says “relax” like a hot cup of coffee and a fat free muffin.  You will then return to your shopping more relaxed, less stressed, and ready to handle those frantic shoppers who haven’t had their coffee break. 

• Watch a Christmas classic with your family. Schedule an evening and watch one of these Christmas favorites, all which are available on DVD: “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “A Christmas Story,” “Miracle on 34^th Street,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” or “A Christmas Carol (my favorite is the version starring George C. Scott as Scrooge).”
  

• Get out and do something you have never done before.  Attend a local Christmas parade, bundle up and go for a walk in the park on a freezing snowy day, or organize a group of friends and family and go Christmas caroling at a local nursing home or hospital. 

• Reach out, connect, and get involved with the community.  A number of churches and organizations in my area serve Christmas dinner every Christmas Day to anyone who wants to come in and enjoy a free meal.  Wherever you live, I am certain there is a similar outreach in your community.  Consider volunteering your time.  You will be blessed and you will come away from the experience with a wonderful feeling of having performed a kindness to your fellow man. 

Do not allow yourself to be overcome with the stress of the Christmas season.  Resolve to enjoy it and to bless those around you. 

It’s going to be a great Christmas!