© Glow Images. Model used for illustrative purposes.
It’s December. The countdown is on. Excitement is building. The pace is quickening. Life is getting hectic. There’s end-of- school activities, office parties, Christmas break-ups, and holiday plans to make; not to mention, shopping, gift wrapping, mailing items, putting up the decorations, cooking and preparing for the all-important family Christmas dinner. With so much to do – especially for Mums, it can take the shine off this happy festive season. Yet it’s possible to maintain the sparkle of joyous anticipation, remain stress-free, and really enjoy Christmas. What’s more it’s good for your health.
KISS: KEEP IT SWEET ’N SIMPLE
Often the race to an enjoyable Christmas - one that’s filled with pleasure, is thought to be secured by the amount of time, energy and money devoted to it. This isn’t necessarily true. A happy occasion can be achieved equally as well with thoughtful, humble effort and modest expense.
TIP:
- Don’t get caught up in the “I need to do it all” mindset. Whatever you need to do, keep it sweet and simple. Your peace of mind is what matters on the day.
- Enjoy your loved ones. Look forward to spending a joyous time together. Count your blessings.
- Don’t stress-out over having everything “just right”. Stay calm. Relax. “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his lifespan? So if you cannot do such a small thing, why do you worry about the rest?” – Bible, Luke 12:25, and 26.
- Give thanks for the good gifts of life you have at hand – a loving family, kind friends, a safe home, peace.
STAY BALANCED
The Christmas season isn’t solely about festivities, or the shop-‘til- you-drop rush for gifts or toys. It’s also about love, peace and “good will to men”. Everyone yearns for that tender expression of heart-felt love which Christmas often inspires in people. Such love is more than words on a card. It’s the active, caring kind that can ultimately lead to a love-filled, enjoyable Christmas.
TIP:
- This year place love at the top of your Christmas wish-list - to give and receive.
- Keep in mind that “The basis of Christmas is love loving its enemies, returning good for evil, love that “suffereth long, and is kind”.” - Mary Baker Eddy. Miscellany p.260
- Show others you care. Spend extra time with your kids. Do something thoughtful for those you love.
- Be an unhurried friend, unharried shopper, unruffled neighbour, and an unflustered family member.
- Remember, enjoy Christmas! You’ll find it’s good for your health.
ABOUT THE EXPERT
Beverly Goldsmith writes about the connection between spirituality and health and is a Practitioner and Teacher of Christian Science healing. Twitter: @GoldsmithBev