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Stay Sane, Reduce Holiday Stress, Pass-Along Tip#8
Here’s Something New to Feel Good About Today!
The family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another’s desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together. ~Erma Bombeck
Does being with your family during the holidays create additional stress for you? If so, you’re not alone. Your relatives may press hot emotional buttons but there are ways to keep this holiday season cool.
At this time of year, I find it especially helpful to remember that there is no such thing as a “perfect” family. We are all imperfect people doing the best we can. Since this is the season for giving and loving, compassion and forgiveness go a long way toward creating a much more enjoyable time for everyone.
The holiday season is very bitter sweet for me. Most of my family members live long distance, many others have passed on. Still, each of them is an important part of my life story.
When I hear the familiar song, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” it never fails to bring tears to my eyes. My definition of the word family is changing. It now includes not only the people I have shared my past with but those close friends that I now consider to be my extended family. Home, no longer means a physical place; it’s now the sacred space I hold in my heart for all those I love.
Whether you share a few days together, a single day, or connect long distance, do your best to make the most of your family time together. Relationships are complex but worth the effort it takes to understand them and to maintain them. Never forget that the times you share with those you love matter. Whether it’s with your relatives or friends who have become your extended family, these are the memories you will carry with you, no matter where you call home.
Accept your family members just as they are and don’t take anything too personally. Be responsible for your own part in any relationship and everything else will fall into a better place naturally. Remember that reducing your holiday stress is up to you. Pass this tip Along and make everyone’s holiday happier and less stressful! Holiday Pass-Along Stress Tip #1 Holiday Pass-Along Stress Tip #2 Holiday Pass-Along Stress Tip #3 Holiday Pass-Along Stress Tip #4 Holiday Pass-Along Stress Tip #5 Holiday Pass-Along Stress Tip #6 Holiday Pass-Along Stress Tip #7
Find Something New to Feel Good About Everyday!
Photo by piggybackgirls
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