DECEMBER- MONTH OF FUN AND STRESS-SOME STRATEGIES

Even though the festive season can be lots of fun, it comes with lots of stress. Especially for families with young children. Home and school events along with lessons are packed in there. So December is here so everyone need to take a deep breath and revamp the lists and things to do. Like any other time, one day at a time. Enjoying the events of the season and trying to reduce the stress comes with stress strategies.
#1 Recognize it can be stressful
#2 What makes it stressful for you. List the things.
#3 Can you divide the work? example, family meals, everyone brings a dish!
#4 Reduce the running around for gifts with a clear plan. example, only go to 3 stores at a time, shop online, use gift cards.
#5 Take an evening off by watching a movie. If you can not sit still, wrap or write cards, letters or emails  while watching the movie.
# 6 When taking the toy to the toy drive or food to the food bank, give a lesson to the children about why you are doing this activity.
#7 Stop and do some creative activities for yourself or others. It could be as simple as a nice dish of mixed pine cones with a ribbon on top. A dish with some coloured balls! Or the proverbial cookies or Gingerbread house ( they come nicely boxed and easy to make).
#8 Keep some exercise or activity going to help with the overeating and drinking that may occur. Example, a walk hand in hand with a loved one on a snowy street to recapture the feeling of childhood. O course try not to overeat or drink, like that is easy.
#9 Take a deep breath or many deep breaths.
#10 Rest and not too many late nights. Sleep keeps us going.
#11 Say no to some events or activities.
#12 Remember the true meaning of the Christmas season- go to church often, read the story or find the chapters in the Bible.
So the twelve stresses for today. There could be more but it is only the beginning of the month. Perhaps you have your own ways to cope with the stress of the season. Would love to hear about them!

HAPPY DECEMBER EVERYONE!