Snowflakes flutter to the ground like miniature feathers from the winter sky. Even the rush of nearby traffic is muffled, and the Colorado landscape appears to rest. Gnarled cottonwoods curve along the creek bed, branches lifted heavenward in silent adoration of their Creator, and swallows scuttle for cover in nearby pines.

Peace. Quiet. A stress-free moment in the middle of the Christmas season.

I breathe it all in and thank God for the beauty surrounding me. For the wet feel of winter on my face. For unexpected stillness.

A Stress-Free (or Stress-Less) Christmas

I love this time of year. The joy of the season and focus on Christ fills my heart with eager anticipation and I cannot wait for Christmas carols and pipe-cleaner ornaments to make their presence known.

The holidays sometimes follow a predictable template. One that leads to something more like a Christmas with the Kranks version of the holiday than It’s a Wonderful Life. We overdo, over-commit, and over-extend. The result?

The post-Christmas blues and a couple of extra pounds. But we can enjoy a stress-free Christmas. Like the unexpected stillness of a winter afternoon, we can experience peace.

Like the unexpected stillness of a winter afternoon, we can experience peace. #Christmaspeace Click To Tweet

Several tips are listed below.

Exchange Presents for His Presence

If you feel anxious during the rush and pressure of Christmas, step outside for a brief break. Embracing even fifteen minutes of time in nature enhances the mood and allows time for us to reflect or pray.

 

Let Your No Be No

I’m a people pleaser. I like to comply and say “yes” to invites and requests. But when a schedule bursts to overfilling a thoughtful and polite “No, thank you” can help maintain peace of mind.

 

Ask for Help

I adore churning out homemade cranberry sauces, pies, and scalloped potatoes with caramelized onions. But fibromyalgia limits my ability to cook everything in one day and I am learning to ask for help. Maybe you detest cooking or would like to forgo handwriting addresses on Christmas cards. Delegating tasks and asking for help can relieve a lot of Christmas stress.

 

Your Wish List

A to-do list can be useful, but why not create a Christmas fun list? You might include Christmas movies or productions you want to watch, local or regional places to visit, or books to read. Invite your spouse, a friend, or your children to join you on outings and you will create special memories, as well.

It’s a Wrap

Wrap a few gifts at a time in the company of a family member or friend. Or host a gift-wrapping party. Each person brings a laundry basket full of gifts, a roll or two of paper, one or two full dispensers of tape, scissors, and a light snack. You provide the music and hot cocoa.

What are your best tips for enjoying a stress-free Christmas? Please share in the comments below.

 

How to Have a Stress-Free Christmas (Other Resources)

Tips to Help You Overcome Holiday Stress and Anxiety (Tammy Kennington)

How to Stress Less at Christmas-Podcast Episode 88 by Dr. Michelle Bengston

40 Easy Tips for a Stress-Free Christmas (Woman’s Day)

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