I've always thought that it was extremely ironic that the holidays are one of the most stressful times for people. Although Christmas has pretty much turned into a strictly Pagan holiday, we have to remember the reason why it started. Peace and Love CANNOT be left out of the Christmas spirit, or else we may as well be celebrating Groundhog's Day. Luckily for me, my family and I live in the South. So the holiday season for us has been a little bit more joyful than it has for some of my Northern friends. Since Thanksgiving people have been walking around with the brightest smiles on their faces, skipping and whistling, and offering good deeds to strangers...an extreme contrast to the dirtbag in Grand Central station that tried to cut in line in front of my friend and a lady with 3 kids.
It's so easy to get caught up in all the madness. For the past three years I have made a vow to not go overboard with all the commercial gifts I see on TV. Me and the kids make the most out of Christmas by spending our time together indoors. It is so much more gratifying, and keeps me from repenting to God for cursing someone out for grabbing the last Leopard print Snuggie. Here are a few things you can do to keep your sanity during the holidays:
1-Start your Christmas shopping early: If by chance you don't have the opportunity to do so, don't stress about getting those holiday deals. Give something from the heart such as a homemade scarf or an advanced Hygiene kit for that guy in church who always gets RIGHT in your face and doesn't realize how bad his breath stinks.
2-Take your kids shopping with you: I know, this sounds crazy right? Kids normally cause more aggravation when you're shopping, but the little demons can actually help you out in your time of need. When you're in there trying to grab that last Malibu Barbie for your kid, turn them loose and let them run and scream as soon as the person next to you grabs the gift you're trying to get. With an experienced Demon like I have, they will let loose on that toy aisle and wreak havoc like nobody's business. People will be so stunned that they won't even realize you stole that Barbie right from underneath them.
3-Play stupid-When your kid realizes that he didn't get the Rock Band video game he asked for you sit back, wrinkle your forehead, and look Uber surprised. Pretend as if the game is missing, and you are in extreme shocked. For extra effect, take the bag and shake it a little...then turn it upside down and say "Wow..I wonder what happened to it". Works very well for children under the age of 14
4-Go to see your in-laws with a smile on your face: Visiting your cranky, Southern Belle mother-in-law doesn't have to be tortuous. Show up early with a big smile on your face and some home baked goods, but keep your purse with you at all times because that's where you will hide your flask with the Irish Creme.
5-Stop rushing!: If you don't get a chance to do everything you wanted to do this holiday season, don't kill yourself rushing around trying to get stuff done. If your family is anything like mine, they will simply be happy to see your face on Christmas and New Year's. It doesn't matter what you bring for them as long as you're there with a big smile and kind words. The gifts don't have to be perfect, the cookies don't have to be made from scratch, and the kids do not have to wear matching sweaters. It's all about spending time together and making memories. Your family will love you just the same. So relax and enjoy yourself, and if all else fails, you still have that trusty flask!
Happy Holidays!
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