North Pole Conference Tackles Holiday Stress
By Tim O'Brien
DATELINE: The North Pole
A press release from the North Pole hit the wire today. The release gave details of a unique conference convened by Mr. S. Claus. The delegates represented many diverse groups. The primary focus was on ways to help people "handle the holidays."
The group identified the four primary causes of Holiday stress as: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year's Eve. However, everyone in attendance wanted the world to know that the conference position paper, "10 Hints for a Happier Holidays," would work all year round.
Passed by a unanimous vote, here are the elf and electorate's "10 Hints for Happier Holidays."
1.Hide, it works nearly every time. If you need a little break, admit it and seek refuge. Go to a private place and take a few long deep breaths and sing your favorite Holiday tune to regroup.
2. Rehearse the worst, and then if it happens, you've made preparations. And since the worst seldom happens, you can make a game out of what does.
3. Get organized early. List all your holiday chores: cards if you send them, decorating the house, gifts, special cooking, wrapping, and mailing. Just listing everything you have to do, helps you feel less harried. Set a schedule and do a little every day. Check items off your list as you complete them. This will show your progress. Address a card or two per day. Wrap while you watch a favorite TV show. Remember, procrastination is the real "Grinch that stole Christmas."
4. Reinstate the draft; get everyone in the house to help. Share the fun, share the duties. Children too, just confine them to one room so if they make a mess you only have one room to redecorate in the spring.
5. Use modern innovations to make your traditions easier. Say you have 5 dozen cookies to send in with Johnny or Mary for the school party. Throw away the "from scratch" recipe. Buy a tube of ready mix, cook them 2 minutes less than they say (it makes them chewy). Put some sprinkles on the cookies and swear the children to secrecy. This creates little mess and is fast.
6. Moderation and "this too will pass." No matter what we think to the contrary, there will only be 31 days in December this year. If events get rough, start the countdown. Look forward to something in January, like December being over. Use moderation in eating, drinking and spending. You don't want a head, belt or debt hangover.
7. Empathy works when you think the world is out to get you. Look around. There are undoubtedly others who are worse off. If you see someone struggling, offer help if appropriate. Focus on what you do have, "count your blessings." Remember, love is free to share. And, it comes in unlimited supply to those who use it.
8. QTIP: The next time you're in a holiday traffic jam, or stuck in a slow checkout line; remember QTIP, and "Quit Taking It Personally." The checkout line isn't there to drive you crazy. The stop light is not a part of a plan to ruin your day. Don't get upset about what is beyond your control.
9. Contrarian shoppers start early and end early. Take an early lunch and shop on off days at the mall. Use mail order if the price is right. Have a detailed list of gifts with alternates if your first choice isn't available. Consider shopping year round for the holidays. Often, summer sales mean better gifts next year.
10. The Chemistry of Joy will see you through. There is an actual chemistry of joy and happiness that occurs within us. It is a chemical reaction caused by signals our brain gives to our autonomic nervous system. A positive, happy outlook triggers immune strengthening responses in our body. Laugh, enjoy humor, sing, and think about the joy you give to others and that they give you.
Happy Holidays everyone, and have a happy, healthier year of your dreams in 2011.
(c) Copyright 1998 Timothy J. O'Brien
By Tim O'Brien
DATELINE: The North Pole
A press release from the North Pole hit the wire today. The release gave details of a unique conference convened by Mr. S. Claus. The delegates represented many diverse groups. The primary focus was on ways to help people "handle the holidays."
The group identified the four primary causes of Holiday stress as: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year's Eve. However, everyone in attendance wanted the world to know that the conference position paper, "10 Hints for a Happier Holidays," would work all year round.
Passed by a unanimous vote, here are the elf and electorate's "10 Hints for Happier Holidays."
1.Hide, it works nearly every time. If you need a little break, admit it and seek refuge. Go to a private place and take a few long deep breaths and sing your favorite Holiday tune to regroup.
2. Rehearse the worst, and then if it happens, you've made preparations. And since the worst seldom happens, you can make a game out of what does.
3. Get organized early. List all your holiday chores: cards if you send them, decorating the house, gifts, special cooking, wrapping, and mailing. Just listing everything you have to do, helps you feel less harried. Set a schedule and do a little every day. Check items off your list as you complete them. This will show your progress. Address a card or two per day. Wrap while you watch a favorite TV show. Remember, procrastination is the real "Grinch that stole Christmas."
4. Reinstate the draft; get everyone in the house to help. Share the fun, share the duties. Children too, just confine them to one room so if they make a mess you only have one room to redecorate in the spring.
5. Use modern innovations to make your traditions easier. Say you have 5 dozen cookies to send in with Johnny or Mary for the school party. Throw away the "from scratch" recipe. Buy a tube of ready mix, cook them 2 minutes less than they say (it makes them chewy). Put some sprinkles on the cookies and swear the children to secrecy. This creates little mess and is fast.
6. Moderation and "this too will pass." No matter what we think to the contrary, there will only be 31 days in December this year. If events get rough, start the countdown. Look forward to something in January, like December being over. Use moderation in eating, drinking and spending. You don't want a head, belt or debt hangover.
7. Empathy works when you think the world is out to get you. Look around. There are undoubtedly others who are worse off. If you see someone struggling, offer help if appropriate. Focus on what you do have, "count your blessings." Remember, love is free to share. And, it comes in unlimited supply to those who use it.
8. QTIP: The next time you're in a holiday traffic jam, or stuck in a slow checkout line; remember QTIP, and "Quit Taking It Personally." The checkout line isn't there to drive you crazy. The stop light is not a part of a plan to ruin your day. Don't get upset about what is beyond your control.
9. Contrarian shoppers start early and end early. Take an early lunch and shop on off days at the mall. Use mail order if the price is right. Have a detailed list of gifts with alternates if your first choice isn't available. Consider shopping year round for the holidays. Often, summer sales mean better gifts next year.
10. The Chemistry of Joy will see you through. There is an actual chemistry of joy and happiness that occurs within us. It is a chemical reaction caused by signals our brain gives to our autonomic nervous system. A positive, happy outlook triggers immune strengthening responses in our body. Laugh, enjoy humor, sing, and think about the joy you give to others and that they give you.
Happy Holidays everyone, and have a happy, healthier year of your dreams in 2011.
(c) Copyright 1998 Timothy J. O'Brien
