Christmas is supposed to be a joyous season so then why is there so much stress associated with it?
Part of it, of course, is wanting the holiday to be memorable and keeping up with all the family traditions.
Then there's the shopping. Less money, less shopping, less happiness? You would certainly hope not and yet there's so much pressure to buy, buy, buy that it's especially stressful if money isn't abundant. And, for whom is money abundant in our struggling economy?
In our house this year, part of the stress is wondering whether our family will be together for Christmas Day. We keep hoping that all members will be present (no pun intended!) and accounted for but, a mere 4 days before the "Big" day, we are not sure how many to expect.
My oldest daughter, in her childlike innocence (thanks to her Down syndrome), reasons that when she doesn't hear from her buddy by text he's working hard to get everything finished where he is so he can travel to us. O, please, let her naivety be rewarded!
Whatever is causing stress in your holiday preparations, I hope that when the big day arrives, we can all relax, enjoy family and friends and remember why we celebrate the season in the first place.
Merry Stress-free Christmas to all!
