A stress-less Christmas is...

“And what really gets me upset is that every year I am doing the same thing and it is the same result. It is not like I am managing my time and finances around this time better during any given Christmas season and even that adds to my depression.

“But you know my family is happy around that time and that gives me that joy too even though I am damned tired from it all. I like looking at my crisp curtains and the rearranged furniture with the freshly-scrubbed walls all coupled with the smell of pepper pot does something for me that I can’t find nowhere else,” she said, laughing at the same time.

I believe the above would be the sentiment of many sisters as there is just something about Christmas. It seems that one just has to work hard to get that ‘something’, that feeling.

I asked another sister why she pressures herself to do so much before and even during the season.

“You know, if I don’t do nothing that is another depression. So, I just have to get up and get. I like the spirit, you know. I like the whole season, but I think I just have to find a way to balance things and not overdo the thing,” she answered.

“There is no Christmas if you don’t try a little bit and every year I am trying not to allow it to really get me bogged down, spend a little, do some sprucing up but not too much,” she continued.

Another sister I spoke to said it is how we are socialized, and it is difficult to get away from all that comes with the Christmas preparation.

“You remember when growing up how our parents use to prepare? Most of us did not have a lot, but our mothers would go out and we as children would be so excited, no matter how hard we had to work it was exciting. And it was not just you, but everybody in the neighbourhood. So, when you grow you grow with that, it is hard not to want to do things around Christmas time,” she told me.

“My take is do what makes you happy and if working till you drop makes you happy then do it. But you have to also take care of your health. So, I am not even sure how that works. Women have to take care of themselves…” she said, trailing off and it was obvious she was deep in thought.

I got what the sister was saying. That strain, both mental and physical that we put on ourselves for the Christmas holiday is not healthy. We have to indeed find balance, as one of the sisters suggested. It will not be easy but there is the need and being healthy and happy is the best gift we can give our children. A stressed and tired mommy will be of no use to them.

So, sisters remember to take it easy. And plan for next year, spend less, do less work and just try to enjoy the season. Start the preparation earlier and don’t ‘break up the house,’ clean and just put things back in place. That ‘breaking up’ of the house really does a number on us. Be smart next year, sisters. Let us plan to enjoy the season as much as our families.

There is still time and as the saying goes ‘don’t over do the do’. Do, but not too much. Enjoy the season and remember the real reason for this season.