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Happy Holidays
by Ann McMurry
Don’t Lose Sight of True Holiday Light
BY NOW FAMILIES HAVE MADE THE TRANSITION FROM FALL WREATHS TO BOUGHS OF HOLLY. AS PEOPLE PREPARE FOR THE HOLIDAYS— MAKING THEIR LISTS AND CHECKING THEM TWICE, SHOPPING FOR THE PERFECT GIFT, BUYING THE RIGHT GIFT WRAP, AND MAKING MEAL PLANS—IT’S EASY TO GET SWEPT UP IN COMMERCIALISM AND LOSE FOCUS ON WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU. WHEN WE LOOK BACK ON HOLIDAYS PAST, THE GIFTS WE GAVE OR RECEIVED TYPICALLY AREN’T THE BRIGHTEST LIGHTS OF NOSTALGIA. FOR MOST OF US, THE MOST IMPORTANT MEMORIES ARE THOSE OF FAMILY, FAITH AND TRADITION.
Stay in Step Licensed professional counselor Koni Bridges said it’s important to set boundaries during the holiday season, especially if you felt drained and overextended in prior seasons. “We can’t do it all and we need to realize that ahead of time,” she said. “Sometimes saying ‘no’ occasionally or at least not saying ‘yes’ every time will be the first step in keeping your focus on the things that are most important, such as being with those you love, helping those in need and sharing the small things in life that help us be a little more selfless instead of selfish. It’s usually when we try to pack too many things into the holiday season that we end up feeling so depleted, and holidays that could bring such joy and fulfillment can end up bringing despair, frustration and emptiness.” This time of year is celebrated as sacred for some and secular for others, but all of those celebrations can be meaningful. “Being together with the ones
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we love is so important and fulfilling during the holiday season as we continue family traditions, gatherings and celebrations,” Bridges said. “It is also important to look for ways to extend ourselves beyond our family to reach out to others that may be in need, not have family close, or are just hurting during the holidays.”
Cut the Commercialism The hustle and bustle of the commercialized holidays, occasional isolation, changes in routines with regard to sleep, diet, and exercise can contribute to increased stress and holiday blues. Managing these factors more efficiently will be the key to maintaining emotional and physical balance and health during this time, Bridges said. “Keeping things more realistic with the finances will decrease the feelings of regret that often start off the New Year. Another important strategy to better coping is to actually seek some help to learn more effective coping skills and to surround yourself with others who can provide validation and are celebrating life.” Sunday School teacher Sue Brinkley of Henning Memorial United Methodist Church stays grounded with her favorite Christmas music. “Some of the songs I love at Christmas are not even carols, but are songs about the Christmas story. They help me get back to what is important.” Brinkley and her family also donate food and toys for families in need. “Whatever I’m willing to spend on a grandchild, I should be willing to spend that amount on at least one other child,” she said. According to Brinkley, this form of giving can be a family affair. She suggests including children in the effort. “Have them be a part of that. Let them help pick out the gift and wrap the gift,” she said. Amy Bruce, minister to children at First Baptist Church in Sulphur, agreed that these types of
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activities help families resist some of the materialism that permeates the holidays. Children in her community are writing notes for service men and women as part of Holiday Mail for Heroes, volunteering in food drives, and participating in Operation Christmas Child for less-fortunate children around the world.
Keep the Faith For the nation’s more than 224 million Christians, this time of year is meant to be one of reverence, but increased commercialization can detract from that. Attending worship services, taking part in giving programs, reflecting on the music of the season, and participating in other Christmas activities at church can help people better deal with worldly distractions, Brinkley said. She also suggested reading the Christmas story together as a family and allowing nativity scenes to bring the story to life. According to Bruce, worship must remain at the heart of the Christmas season for Christian families. “As things pile up on our calendars and we try to make sure we have the right gifts for people, we have to remember the gift God gave to us at Christmas,” Bruce said. Bruce said it’s important for families to keep their focus on the birth of Jesus, and various activities enable them to do that. Sometimes it’s as simple as getting together with others to go caroling.
Ashton Warren designed this year’s winning card at Henning Memorial United Methodist Church.
December 2013