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Each year, for too many of us, the holiday season just doesn't live up to our expectations. Instead of joy, it brings stress; instead of peace, it brings tension; instead of love, it brings animosity. This holiday, let's do something different. Let's let ourselves and our family enjoy the season! Here's how to begin:
1. Don't make yourself crazy this year!
If the house isn't perfect, who cares? Friends and family come for the memories and the companionship, not to count the dust bunnies. And if you have dust bunnies, just paint 'em red and green and pretend they are part of the décor! Next year, when they remember the holiday, they won't remember the books out of place or the stain on the rug, they will remember how relaxed they felt in your home.
2. Don't force togetherness!
Some family members love you dearly, but they find mandatory togetherness an ordeal. Let them spend the holiday in ways that make them happy, not in ways you have determined they should. Leave them free to join the gathering of their free will, not out of family guilt. They will love you for it!
3. Remember that the holiday is about joy, not a grim march to buy 'stuff.'
Nobody wants you to put yourself in debt over your head to give them something they may not even remember by next Christmas. While a gift of sacrifice of the heart given with love is what the season is all about, all too often we give gifts of sacrifice of the pocketbook in lieu of love.
4. If you have 'always' made the holiday meal, give it up this year.
Have a potluck with everyone contributing! It will give you more time to enjoy the company and will give them all a chance to show off their special culinary expertise! (And you might find a new favorite holiday dish!)
5. Give your family what they really want for Christmas - your attention and praise!
They may not remember that tie you spent hours picking out for them, but they will remember the moments you spent telling them how proud you are of the person they have become. They may not use the bubble bath, but they could use your forgiveness and understanding. They may not be warmed by sweaters or afghans, but they will be warmed by your love and caring.
This year, as families gather together for the holiday season, remember that what will endure from this year's celebrations are the gifts of memories, connections, time, praise, and love. And these things you can't buy, can't polish, can't bake (contrary to advertisements!), and can't mandate. So let's do something different for the holidays this year - let's just enjoy! And who knows, we just might have the best holiday ever!
About The Author:
Pamela Cole Harris is a writer, editor, marketer and eco-decorator with 35 years experience. Get her unique view of home decorating and remodeling free every month! Sign up at http://www.homeandgardenmakeover.com! Or visit http://www.pamelacoleharris.com for original content written especially for your website.
This article provided by the Family Content Archives at: http://www.Family-Content.com
By
04/06/2005
Several years ago my family decided it would be a fun thing to take a TOUR of all our families homes.The women loaded up and the men (since they love a good card game) stayed together and kept the small children.After all it's more fun to decorate when you have others to share it with than your own family? I made the last stop my house and had hot chocolate and homemade treats. Another thing we usually do is my sister-in-law has our families over AFTER christmas and we have this little THING of singing carols. My brothers has sheets of christmas carols he printed several years ago.Did you ever try singing GO WHERE I SEND THEE with each person having their own little part they have to add in? They always stick me with 4 for the poor came knocking at the door. THINK THAT AIN'T A TONGUE TWISTER? These times are memories that can never be replaced.
By
12/09/2004
Sent in by email:
Just finished reading the very informative and enjoyable Thrifty Fun newsletter. I noticed that you receive letters etc. regarding the stress, expense etc. of Christmas. I really feel that much of this is self-inflicted. Christmas is, after all the celebration of a Birthday as well as a religious Holiday. If anyone doesn`t believe that..then why celebrate Christmas in the first place. If you know what Christmas truly means then family, friends together and doing something special to help others is all we really NEED. The rest is icing on the cake but not a necessity. Have a Happy Holiday Season.
Editor's Note: Well said! Happy Holidays Everyone
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