The above title is actually the title of a song, a song that my daughter sang in her Christmas program. I had never heard of it, but once I listened to the lyrics, I loved it! Here are the lyrics:
Spectarama-jinglelicious-tinselribbon-istmas
Things we do this time of year to take the place of Christmas.
It's a fact the birthday of the King has somehow missed us.
Spectarama-jinglelicious-tinselribbon-istmas
We shop for cards and trees and such and snow and sleet and ice.
When parents say be good we try to take their sound advice.
There's traffic at the shopping malls that no one can believe!
And packages that must be wrapped in time for Christmas Eve.
Ohhhh, Spectarama-jinglelicious-tinselribbon-istmas
Things we do this time of year to take the place of Christmas.
It's a fact the birthday of the King has somehow missed us.
Spectarama-jinglelicious-tinselribbon-istmas.
A coat for Mom. A tie for Dad. A dress for Guinevere.
And don't forget the card for John. He sent us one last year.
With lights to hang and food to cook and trees to decorate.
Until the season's over there's no time to celebrate.
Ohhhh, Spectarama-jinglelicious-tinselribbon-istmas
Things we do this time of year to take the place of Christmas.
It's a fact the birthday of the King has somehow missed us.
Spectarama-jinglelicious-tinselribbon-istmas
It is easy to get caught up in the stress and the to-do lists. Society says we have to send Christmas cards, we have to bake cookies, we have to spend hundreds of dollars on gifts, we have to decorate trees and string lights on our houses, we have to cook a big meal, we have to meet up with family and friends even though we may not have seen them in years, we have to sing these songs, we have to go to every Christmas cantata and program, we have to take photos of Santa at the mall…etc.
And all of this for one day that is here now and gone tomorrow while the true meaning of Christmas, Christ’s birth, is lost amongst the rush. It is His birthday after all so why are we acting like it is everyone else’s birthday?
And then there is social media. Many people post photos of what they have done for the holiday season and while that is ok, people who aren’t able to do all those things may become jealous or discouraged and feel like less of a person because they can’t do everything and buy everything that their friends post to their social media pages.
I’m not bashing the Christmas season. I’ll admit I have a tendency to get caught up in the rush, but need to take a step back every now and then. I am just pointing out how it can really get out of hand and how it can not only cause stress, but seriously affect your mental well-being.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness states that 64% of people surveyed found that the holiday season causes their mental health to worsen.
The American Psychiatric Association states that 40% of healthcare workers and 37% of admin/office workers stress more during this season due to longer working hours. Also 47% of retail workers say their stress levels severely increase during the holiday shopping season.
I don’t know how people in retail handle the shopping season every year so that statistic by the APA doesn’t surprise me at all; in fact, I thought it would be more like 87%! Instead of the season of spreading good cheer and hopes for peace on Earth and celebrating the birth of our Savior, I have watched consumers bark and snap at retail workers. Long lines and low stock on items just put fuel to the fire and cause consumers to lose patience quickly and vent their frustrations on the overworked retail workers. And for what really??
Just like a previous post of mine titled, “Are You Hygge Ready?”, we can take a few lessons from the hygge lifestyle. Slow down. Relax. Don’t stress. Make some quiet time for yourself. Enjoy the little moments of each day.
Remember the song, “The 12 Days of Christmas”? It is supposed to be twelve days and not everything packed into one day.
So here are a few tips on keeping your sanity (and your cool) during the holiday season:
- SAY NO – it will prevent burnout
- STICK TO A BUDGET – not everyone you have met or had a conversation with needs a gift
- BE REALISTIC – a to-do list should be practical
- ACCEPT IMPERFECTION – no human being is perfect
- KEEP HEALTHY HABITS – get a proper night’s sleep, exercise, breathe fresh air and eat nourishing food
- KEEP YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR – laughter reduces stress hormones; don’t take everything so seriously
- CREATE A RELAXING ATMOSPHERE – keep your home warm and cozy, light candles, play music, bake cookies
- TAKE A BREAK – take a nap, soak in a hot bath, read a book
- PRACTICE GRATITUDE – many people have lost jobs or their homes so be thankful for what you already have
- SOCIAL MEDIA BREAK – you already have enough on your plate so you don’t need everyone else’s problems or opinions
- VOLUNTEER – helping those less fortunate will give you the warm and fuzzies knowing you made a difference
It is my hope and prayer that you slow down and enjoy the Christmas season. It comes once a year so when it is finally here, please treasure each moment.
All things of this world will soon become dust so please don’t put too much emphasis on “stuff” this Christmas season.
And, more importantly, remember that it is the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. He came to Earth as a baby, lived as a man only to die on the cross for our sins and then He rose on the third day. Whoever believes in Him shall have everlasting life.
You can’t buy everlasting life at the mall, my friends.
Merry CHRISTmas!
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