Christmas
doesn't come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more....”
― Dr.
Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
"Christmas is the time when all those
things you've been keeping covered up over the year come back at you, such as
the losses we have experienced in life. It's a nostalgic time."
– R Wilde
We have this Hollywood
picture of what Christmas should look like.
In the Southern Hemisphere, we don’t have quite so many picture book memories.
It is mid-summer and we are all on the beach in the sun, not beside a cosy fire. But wherever we are, we all want Christmas to revolve around perfect
presents, tasty food (often incorporating new recipes!), no work and leisure
time to spend with close family and friends.
It can be a psychologically tense and stressful time even among the most
happy and well-adjusted families. So those who are not so well adjusted, take heart!
Family reunions have the
potential to bring about a range of deep-rooted emotions including jealousy,
resentment, competitiveness and (sibling) rivalry. So what can we do to take the edge off those
tricky situations and be on the alert this Christmas time?
1. Keep expectations of time spent with family hopeful but
realistic – live in the present and remember that you
can change. Be the ‘bigger person’ and keep the big picture in mind.
2. Make your family time count – take
on a positive attitude and ensure everyone has a good time.
3. Don’t take everything personally – let it
be about everyone else. Don’t take the bait.
4. Take time out every day – have
some alone time for that walk along the beach or to just have time-out with a
good book.
5. Be organised – be
ahead of yourself so that there is no added rush and therefore added stress.
6. Be grateful for what you have in life – we all
have so much to be grateful for, so make Christmas Day, a Day of Gratitude.
Remember that
relationships are the most important things we have – You gotta
love them, some people are difficult but bury the hatchet at
least for the Day. Recognise and accept the fact that you have
feelings. They may be bad, sad and mad feelings but they are your feelings and
you are allowed to have them.
Research has shown that
more happiness was reported during the holiday period when family and religious
experiences were particularly important and less joy was experienced when
spending money and receiving gifts predominated.
We can learn from this,
spend time picnicking, playing games and laughing together, go to church and
remember the true meaning of Christmas, it’s all about giving!
Finally, try to keep your sense of humour.
