I like to touch base every year before the holidays to share my thoughts about preparing with all of you. Each and every one of us, no matter what we practice or believe, have some kind of connection with the upcoming holidays from Thanksgiving through New Years. We love to gift, entertain, dine, cocktail, and receive gifts. Preparing for all of this is somewhat stressful and we all deal with the stress differently. Decorating, sending cards and purchasing just the right gift are all time consuming jobs. What if you were to throw into the mix a child that is in and out of the hospital? Try dealing with that, on top of everything else and not have a nervous breakdown. Well, my parents did it many moons ago and I know there are thousands of you out there that are doing the same right now. My first advice to everyone with or without a sick kid, take Deep Breaths!
Now, after that, begin to separate priorities. Downtime either visiting in the hospital or watching television is the perfect time to write out cards. Begin shopping with a list of who you are buying for and ideas of what to buy. For me, breezing through magazines and newspaper ads helps with deciding on the perfect gifts. Now, keep that list with you, and although you can impulse buy, try to stick to the list. Decide on a plan of attack and figure out what days are the best to shop. If you are really busy, online is a nice luxury to have. Wrap as you buy, cross off the list, and try to get as much done in your off time as possible. Worrying will not help, but certainly will make you sick. Stress is so terrible and not good for anyone! By following some simple hints and creating a plan, some of the stress may be relieved.
As for entertaining. do the same thing. Plan, list, shop, and do not feel bad asking the people that are joining you for help. People feel better helping anyway and it will relieve a lot of the stress.
If all else fails and you really are tied up with a sick child, concentrate on those priorities I spoke of. The holidays are not about the gifts, it’s about time together, loving, caring, and giving to those who need it most. So let people give.
