Families Today - Holiday Stress

Many people have their friends and relatives over to their home for food and refreshments.

Others will travel, sometimes long distances, to see their friends and family that they have not seen in a long time.

Many of us enjoy these Thanksgiving and Christmas get-togethers but they can also create stress. While stress is also part of our daily lives it does not have to be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you reduce your stress during this Holiday Season.

1. If you are having family and friends over to your house, properly plan the event. Have a mental picture of what you would like the event to look like – but remember it does not have to be perfect. Make an inventory of the foods that you plan on serving, the items you plan on having available to your guests, and is there enough and proper seating for everyone. Take a personal inventory of your capabilities to “pull this off” without a hitch and to ask for help from those who can truly help you. These times can be great fun.

2. If you are visiting friends and relatives at their home, whether it is across the street or many miles away, plan to have a good time. Ask before hand if you can bring anything and, of course, bring a special gift for the host family.

3. Attempt to de-stress before you arrive. Put your cares away and let yourself have a “day off” from the worries that will more than likely be there when you return home. Nothing takes more energy than thinking about what is, or is not, happening that you do not have the power to fix. All of us need a break from the present stress. Allow yourself to take breaks and get away from time to time when appropriate.

4. Enjoy those around you. Put whatever differences you might have with certain others and have a good time. (1 John 4:7-12) It is good for you and good for those around you. Attempt to reconnect with existing relationships and take time to connect with new relationships. Share yourself with others. Don’t isolate yourself. Don’t withhold your goodness and interests from others. You are wonderful and a great person to know, and it is good to let others enjoy your company. Reach out to others and let them reach out to you.

5. Enjoy the occasion with your family. This is the family God gave you, whether good or bad, so have a good time. Some of them may not be here this time next year. Some of us may have some painful memories that originated from our family. We may have to forgive them. That does not mean we are to drop all of our boundaries but it may mean we will have to “let go” of some things that could be getting in the way. After all, it is God’s Grace and Mercy that He has given us for that relationship we have with Him. So let God’s Love shine through you to others and to your family as you enjoy the Holiday Season. (Ephesians 4:32)

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas. It is one of God’s Gifts to us for our enjoyment of what family and friends are all about.

Rev. L. John Engelbrecht, M.A., is a Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor, a National Certified Counselor, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York State and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Vermont. He is the counselor at Adirondack Christian Counseling Service, 113 Meadowbrook Road, Queensbury, NY 12804. 1-518-793-4187.