How to Have a Stress Free Christmas

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.

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)

What You Told Me

Thank you to all of those who invested a couple of minutes in last month’s survey. You told me: half of you prefer Christian living articles while the other half most enjoy articles related to mental health.

• other topics you would like me to address include living in the light of the Second Coming, dealing with everyday struggles, and continuing to share about the Lord.

• the podcast title that appealed the most was ‘Hope in Every Season’.

I appreciate your input more than you know! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Christmas Shopping? I have something for you.

Does that special someone on your list love nature? I’ve created a beautiful set of affordable photo cards perfect for any occasion. Order by the second week of December and your loved week will unwrap an original and unique gift.

https://tammykennington0.gumroad.com/

Just for You! Books and More…

Decorate your computer or phone for Christmas with these wallpaper images. Right-click or tap on the pictures to save and use.

Free Thriller and Suspense Books

https://books.bookfunnel.com/pka-free-thriller-suspense/aecdokeyaq

Download FREE books and excerpts for your upcoming holiday! Some titles include Keeping Secrets and A New Kind of Zeal.

Writerly News

I received a call this week from the Association of Christian Writers Association (ACFW) and was both surprised and thrilled to learn that my recent romantic suspense submission is included as one of three finalist submissions.

Thank you, Lord, for this blessing.

I will let you know the final results!

May God bless your Thanksgiving and give you His peace.

In His love,

Tammy