With the chaos of the holidays the Christmas spirit can get lost in all of the busy activities. It’s hard to feel the joy of Christmas when you’re standing 20 people deep in the checkout line at Toys 'R Us, or when you’re circling the mall parking lot for the fifth time in search of a parking space—and it’s sleeting. But here are a few tips to get and keep that little bit of joy inside you, even amidst all of the stress.
Write out the word Christmas every time. The word Christmas means the feast that is held to celebrate the birth of Christ. Some people write Xmas as a shortened form. Surprisingly, the "X" in Xmas comes from the Greek word Chi, which means Christ. However, if you’re like me, Xmas is just a quick heading for whatever is on my list. So, as my first grade teacher used to say, “Keep Christ in Christmas.”
Give up road rage. Okay, just for the month of December. Here’s the key: give it up gracefully. When the car in the right lane is trying to edge in (although he KNEW that lane was ending soon) don’t just begrudgingly let him in, but give him a cheerful wave and smile. After all, we’re all trying to get somewhere.
Contribute to a good cause. This month, donate time or money to one cause that you care about. Go caroling at a retirement home, or take a toy to Toys for Tots. Then, when you are barraged with all of the other great causes that are competing for your time and attention, you won’t feel so guilty about saying no.
Have a "say yes” day. This will put a positive spin on your day, and it will be fun to see how creative you can be. “Yes, son, it is unfortunate that you cannot play in the snow barefoot, however you do need to wear boots.” “Yes, daughter, you may talk on the phone with your friends -- after your homework and chores are done.” Actually, you may be surprised at how many times you find it is possible to be positive. That will lift your spirit, as well as those around you.
Wear comfortable shoes. From walking up and down the mall, standing in endless lines and trekking from the outer edge of the parking lot, we put a lot of stress on our feet this time of year. Sore feet, aching backs, headaches and irritated spirits are the result. Show kindness to yourself by wearing shoes that help you feel good, and you’ll be able to show kindness to others as well.
Christmas is often stressful and rarely perfect, but perhaps the Christmas spirit isn’t something we just “get”—perhaps it is something we choose to create, protect and pass on.
Pamela DeLoatch - The Writing Genie, otherwise known as Pamela, is a writer in North Carolina. Along with carpooling her four kids to school and sports, ...
