Have a Calm, Green Christmas

Take one moment and imagine what it would be like to enjoy a totally stress-free Christmas. Ahhhhh.....


Instead of rushing around to stores or spending hours bent over the computer ordering, or cooking up a storm and doing the million other tasks that seem to be required for the "perfect day," you might imagine yourself snuggled comfortably on the sofa, maybe some warm tea in hand, music playing, a fire crackling, surrounded by friends and loved ones, your face lit by a smile.

While that vision might appear about as real as Cinderella, it doesn't have to remain a fairy tale.
With a little thought and release of habit and perfectionistic tendencies, it's possible to relax this Christmas.

Here are a few ways to make it come true.



• Take a realistic look at the number of gifts you plan to give and the amount you plan to spend. Will Christmas leave you with credit card debt you'll be paying well into swim season? Is this necessary? Is it wise? How about making gifts from items you have on hand? Or making up songs or poems or choosing to give only gifts of time spent together?

• What kinds of family activities do you find relaxing and fun? Choose to do one or two of those as the holiday approaches. None of them need to cost any money.

• Give yourself the gift of calm every day. Ask your mate or a friend for a massage, a cup of tea, time for a bath or a walk. Think about what would help, then request it.

• Stay away from the frenzy. Avoid any activity you find stressful from malls to tree lighting ceremonies attended by thousands of people.

• Surround yourself in peace. Turn the lights down, burn beeswax candles, play soft music during stressful times. For instance, if preparing dinner for the kids is a nightmare, create a quiet atmosphere and ask them to whisper. Make it a game and they will likely play along.

• Make eye contact. One reason children seem to act out more around the holidays is because they want attention. Simply sitting with them for a few minutes at a time, looking them in the eye (no distractions) and talking, is calming and may help calm you too.

• Approach your holiday meal with the thought that the most important thing is to have everyone gathered together for a fun and meaningful event, not to have so much food that no one can get up from the table without help! What this means is to shop carefully in terms of the amount of food you purchase so that little is wasted. If you find planning a huge meal stressful, how about simplifying it. Try a fondue, desserts only (and guests bring them), or a lunch, when people tend to be happier with less.



 
Big thank you to Celebrate Green!® for all your inspiration!