Monday, December 17, 2012

Holiday Stress-BFF 251




     This time of year holiday stress and depression go hand in hand.  What causes the stress?  In my experience, it can come from a lot of different angles.

 





       Christmas time is usually the time when you have to tolerate family reunions with people that don’t give a rat’s a$$ about you any other time of the year.  They get together not because they have any desire to see you and celebrate the holiday, but because they feel an obligation to.  To me this is just bull$hit.  If you aren’t good enough to bother with the rest of the year, you don’t need to bother at Christmas either.  These same bunches of dysfunctional folks thrive on chaos and only bother to invite you because they feel it is the Christian thing to do.  In my opinion, I would rather pass on these gatherings where I feel like the bastard at the family reunion: unwanted and scorned.  Unfortunately, as much as they feel obligated to invite, you feel obligated to attend because it is family and by all that is holy it is Christmas.  The result is that conversation is stilted and the atmosphere is about as comfortable and welcoming as a broom shoved up you’re a$$ sideways.  I realize that some families enjoy each other’s company and look forward to and enjoy the holidays together.  I am happy to say that as far as my own little family of four, we fall in the later category.



       Let’s face it, one of the biggest stress causes in my book during the holidays is stretching money to cover all the added extra expense of Christmas plus pay the bills.       When you live paycheck to paycheck, the money situation can be a real challenge.  Amazingly enough, somehow Christmas always comes and is just as joyous as the year before.   There is the running around trying to find the best prices on the gifts and making that almighty dollar go a little farther.  I felt blessed this year to have my husband home to do our Christmas shopping.  There have been some years he hasn’t been.  There have even been some years where he had to leave on Christmas day and we scrambled around trying to fit everything in on Christmas Eve.

     

                            When I was younger Christmas’s were hectic and stressful as we rushed from one relative’s house to the next.  It was stressful making sure we had everything we needed to have for each place over and above all the running around.  While I miss the people that have died over the years and getting together to share Christmas with each of them, I don’t miss all the running here and there frenzy.  I have found I enjoy staying home with my husband and kids opening presents, enjoying a special lunch, then feasting on a dinner fit for a king, while playing with all the kids new toys.  While I am still the perfectionist I have always been, I have mellowed with age and feel I enjoy Christmas even more when it finally comes.


        Christmas can be an overwhelming and stressful time, but it can also be happy and joyous.  This year it offers more together time with my kids and husband that I not only eagerly look forward to, but that I intend to enjoy and savor until next time when I give you another glimpse into the life of a trucker’s wife.




       

18 comments:

  1. I very much enjoyed quiet Christmases when I was on the west coast. we made it clear when we moved to SF that we would not travel on holidays. But now I'm back here, and engaged to a townie with a huge family, obligations now exist that make it hard for me, who grew used to not having to be anywhere on 12/25. My mom is demanding our time, and being there is tedious at best. It was deadly last year; I did not have a good time at all. It's like why even bother; it's not christmasy. We sit around, trying to make small talk. There's still underlying tension b/t her and him, even though both act cordial and friendly. His sister has invited us and I'd much rather be with his family. But honestly, I wish we could just stay home and have our own quiet day.

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    1. JoJo, I know exactly how you feel! Thank you for stopping by to read and for your comments! ♥

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  2. Loved the "tongue in cheek" style here-- yes the wrath that Christmas can bring , seems the message of the Spirit cannot be heard. I hope you receive the best gift ever - the warmth and acknowledgement of love and the light of all you have given to others, comes shining back at you!
    There are just some things that money cannot buy!
    Have a warm and wonderful holiday season and thank you for all your warm and kind words that you post and leave as comments! Peace & Good Health Marc :)

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    1. Marc, thank you for stopping by and for your kind words! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year as well! ♥

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  3. Yeah ... Xmas can be stressful or peaceful. Depending on us. Our Xmas is always time for four of us. Some years we invited some relatives over, most years we are spending time just four of us and it is rewarding. I usually do minimal xmas shopping. Gift cards for most :-)

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    1. Journey of Life, you are so right! It does all depend on us and our attitudes! Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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  4. I am feeling stressed this holiday season like NEVER before. For me, it has been a killer with long work hours and crazy long commutes after Sandy, so NOTHING is done. I took off from work this week, and finally got my tree up. I am one who used to have things done by the first week of Dec. Cards for my family aren't even done (what kind of card maker am I ?) I plan to work on stuff this week and try to "make merry". All the presents are done and wrapped, so that is a big plus. I want to find time to bake and craft and spend time with friends. Next year, I am hoping it goes like it used to. Once the holiday is here, it will all be fine and I will have fun and laugh with my family. We do a small dinner here at home with hubby and FIL, and then head to my sisters for my family gathering with tons of family and little ones (the highlight of my day....)

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    1. Winnie, you are a great card maker!! You just have a lot on your plate. Just breathe and do one thing at a time. It sounds like you have a lovely Christmas in store for you. Enjoy! Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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  5. I also used to get so stressed out every Christmas with all the preparations until someone asked me why I was so stressed about. He reminded me that if there was anything I did that didn't make me happy, then I shouldn't do it at all. I realized he was right. Amidst all the preparations and running around looking for the perfect gift, I forgot the real reason why I was doing those things. Now, I try to enjoy the shopping and preparations, believing that all these was my offering to share my love and make people happy.

    Have a wonderful Christmas!

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    1. Anne, that sounds like excellent advice! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas too. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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  6. same here. It' just us and the kids, and my 94 year old mom and I never know if it will be her last. I'm sad that my boys don't have cousins to run around with. That bothers me. But fact is, Christmas day is always a lot of fun for them, and carefree as they get to play with their toys, and I get to make dinner. And if I burn the dinner so what. No one I need to impress.

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    1. Sandra, sounds like the perfect Christmas to me!!! Thank you for stopping by to read and comment and Merry Christmas! ♥

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  7. Urgh....families! This year I have my two godfathers staying for Christmas day, which doesn't sound so bad but trust me it is! Also Boxing day is a rather apt name for the day considering fighting generally does break out amongst my lot over the most stupid things! I'm going to have such tales to tell at the end of the month.

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    1. Loki-Lou, I will look forward to your tales!! I love reading them so! Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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  8. My large family gets together ever Thanksgiving and I love being with my sibs, kids, nieces, and nephews. I've never not wanted to see them or felt scorned or unwanted. As for Christmas, it's a quiet time for us because we do not celebrate the holiday. As a result, no stress. :)

    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com

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    1. Joyce, you are lucky! Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments!

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