I have been very busy with people going crazy about Christmas (OH sorry "the Holidays"). I have done so many stress tests and heart monitors on people that are just so stressed out.
OK about what? Buying things? Presents? Money?
You all need to relax. 
It's only Christmas, not the end of all mankind!!!
I heard of some pastors giving "Holy Spirit filled" messages about the stress of the Holidays. I feel that the Christmas message and stress really should not go together. (Yes I know that Holiday schedules, kids, programs at school, parties, work gatherings, decorations, what to get for your boss...so on and so on) I GET IT!
However, coming from pastors, COME ON, Are you serious? Teach about the joy of giving time to others (that is not stressful), teach about helping others (that is not stressful), teach about the real joy that this celebration is really about. Don't push the whole stress mantra. Don't let people get sucked in.
It seems that even churches and Christians do get to caught up in the (as Charlie Brown says) "commercialization" of Christmas.
Just chill, don't kill yourself to get people stuff they don't need. I had a patient that says she has 39 (really 39) people to shop for and she just cant handle to "pressure of it all". Chill, enjoy time with people. Don't get caught up in all the hype. I bet all those 39 people just want to hang out and be with her. Gifts are secondary NOT the primary goal (well maybe for kids--Thanks TV advertisers). 
I have been getting this question a lot about what do I want for Christmas, this year I have no answer. I really don't need anything. I got my family, a good job, money to pay bills, and yes a few gifts for my kids. Hey no stress for me (I just must be lucky or something like it).
Hey I may be wrong about all this but, unrealistic expectations are a key cause of family-related stress over the holidays.
A quote from Robert Billingham an associate professor from the University of Indiana:
"Focus on the meaning of the holiday, not the problems (such as finances and travel). "The holidays deal with the appreciation for what we have, the fact that we have enough to survive, to exist and to be comfortable," Billingham said. "It's very simplistic, but the more we can focus on those types of issues and less on things such as the perfect family image or the perfect holiday image, we're better off."
WOW, this guy is not even a pastor and he gets it!
*Also check out my post "Simple Christmas" for more of my thoughts.
1 comments:
I never knew that people could take such a positive day, as Christmas, and be so negative...Everyone ain't like you bro, you must be special, like never been stressed out right? Hmmm, I know our creator accepts people as they are, shouldn't you?
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