Right now I have a Christmas tree that’s standing in my living room with only a garland and a few ornaments on it. I also have about ten holiday projects I’m working on at the moment, so paint bottles, glue, sponge brushes, wood pieces…even beeswax is lying around my house waiting to be used or put back into place. My kitchen is a mess due to a recent craft project gone wrong. My bags are still have unpacked from my recent vacation and I haven’t even started my Christmas list yet.
Anybody else out there feeling the pressure of the upcoming holiday season?
I read an interesting post this weekend from someone who recently retracted a dinner invitation to friends because she needed some time to relax. I read a tweet from another who’s decided to take the week off from blogging while she evaluates how to better balance her personal life and her blog. Maybe you’re thinking these ladies shouldn’t have overextended themselves in the first place, but that would be the pot calling the kettle black, wouldn’t it? Don’t we all have the tendency to take on more than we should? Especially during the holidays??
I applaud these ladies for recognizing the need to take a time out for reflection instead of marching on to impending doom like many of us who refuse to back down. We feel we must volunteer our time, efforts, and sometimes even sacrifice our own well-being so we don’t let others down. When will we realize it’s more important that we don’t let ourselves down?
I received a request from a friend this weekend to help her with a project she wants to get done before the holidays, and I still haven’t emailed her back yet. I’m not sure if I can do it because I don’t want to take on more than I can handle this holiday season. At first I felt guilty about the possibility of saying no, and believe me I hardly ever say no. But then I realized that if I spend my holiday season stressed out because I’ve over-committed myself, I’d be doing myself an injustice.
As important as it is to spend time with family and friends and to give to others during the holiday season, it is more important to spend time reflecting on the reason for the season. Jesus came to Earth so we would have an abundant life now. He wants us to live happy lives, filled with the joy only he provides. He doesn’t want us to live our lives stressed out with a to-do list a mile long.
Maybe you’re thinking of your holiday to-do list right now. Feeling stressed about that holiday party you were thinking about planning? Maybe it’s time for you to take some time to prioritize what’s most important to you. Maybe you cancel the party plans, or maybe you decide to cancel another obligation. Just make sure you are making the decision that will leave you happy and content. Don’t worry that you won’t look like Superwoman, Superman or Supermom because you cancelled or said no. You will be a happy woman, happy man or a happy mom, and that is what means most in the long run.
Let’s make a vow to enjoy the upcoming Christmas holiday and focus on it’s true meaning. You in??
Have you read my previous post about the importance of taking time to rest? If you missed it, you can find it here.
Leave a Reply