Happy Saturday,
Hope you have a wonderful week. Christmas is closing in fast. I thought about everything that I want to get done and became overwhelmed. So instead of going down the path of stressed out. I took a few deep breaths and decided that more than anything I really wanted to enjoy the holidays.
Yes, I have projects that still need to be done before Christmas. But I want or need to take time to enjoy the season. It will be over in just a few days. Here are some tips that I am putting in place to ease the stress of the holidays. Hopefully they can help you.
Make a List –
I am old school. Nothing eases my mind more than writing out the tasks that need to be done on paper. This helps me in reviewing the tasks that actually need to be done.
These tasks include finishing touches on a sewing project. There are also items that need to be picked up from the store and there is cleaning.
I also take time to see Christmas lights. Watching Christmas movies and making Christmas cookies. Spending time with family and reading a Christmas book is also important. Each of these tasks is important to me. I don’t want the time to slip by without enjoying them. List everything. There is nothing like having a warm mug and snuggling in that will put you in the Christmas spirit. Watch your favorite movie or read a book within the lights of the Christmas tree.
Set a Schedule
Now that you have a list, I mark the time needed for each item. An example, Christmas movie that I watch every year is, “It is a Wonderful Life”. This move is 2 hours and 10 minutes. I would put next to the task 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Once every task has a time assigned to it. I plan out the next several days to get everything done. Remember, watching the Christmas movie is just as important as meal prep or cleaning the house. Our goal is to enjoy everything about the season.
Gratitude
Have you heard the statement, “I am too blessed to be stressed? ” But too often we forget this. We focus on our list and overlook what is happening around us. We become consumed with completing our tasks. We miss smelling the roses or funny things that are happening right in front of our eyes.
When I feel overwhelmed, I start looking for ways to be grateful. I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and food in the fridge. There are many more ways that I am blessed. This list barely makes a dent. But it is a start. When you realize how much there is to be thankful, it will help reduce the stress you are feeling.
Take time to be remember the reason for Christmas
I love getting presents and giving gifts to family and friends. But we need to take the time to remember why we celebrate Christmas.
Have you ever thought about how much God loves us. He loves us so much that He sent His Son to become a man and lay in the manager. He did it for us, even though we do not deserve it. He died on the cross for our sins. This allows us to have the opportunity to go heaven. All we have to do is to accept the gift. When you really sit and ponder this, it will make you realize how much that you are loved.
I hope these tips can be helpful. Do you have any extra tips to add to my list? I love hearing from my readers.
Happy Sewing –
Valerie
The Saturday Seamstress 