Auld Lang Syne

Did you survive the Christmas season?  I hope so.   We are marching toward 2015 and many of us will find ourselves singing Auld Lang Syne, a traditional New Years eve song.  I am sharing a beautiful arrangement by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to1xT93IlUI

As we enter 2015, I wish for you and your family a healthy, happy, and prosperous year. 

 

Merry Christmas to you and yours

I love the Christmas holidays for many reasons:  the gift-giving, the special dinners and food treats, and so many traditions (including the great Christmas movies on TV).  But especially the Christmas holiday celebrates God’s gift to mankind: “For unto us a Child is given.”  I hope you pause to celebrate the reason for Christmas.  The London Symphony Orchestra performs a portion of Handel’s Messiah at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS3vpAWW2Zc

May God’s blessings shine on you and yours this holiday season.  Merry Christmas. 

9 Tips for Surviving Holiday Stress

We’re in the count-down to Christmas now.  Only 11 days left.  I hope your holiday preparations are going well and you haven’t pulled your hair out.  If you are still feeling stressed, I want to share 9 tips for Surviving Holiday Stress from the American Psychological Association at http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2012/12/23/9-tips-for-surviving-holiday-stress/

 

Coping with the Holidays

Hubby and I brain-stormed and came up with some suggestions on how we have changed our behaviors to protect our mental and physical health this holiday season.

1.      Don’t set our expectations at unreachable levels.  I recognize I cannot do it all.  I cannot decorate the house beautifully, buy and wrap all the presents, make fudge and homemade cookies while working full time.  And it’s ok.   Do you put too many chores into your schedule?  Which leads us to #2.

2.      Prioritize what gives the most satisfaction for the time and money you have.  What is most important to you?  What traditions/activities/chores do you really not care about?  Keep the important ones and leave off the ones that don’t give you pleasure.

3.      If possible, don’t wait till the last minute (unless you enjoy that.  Some people do enjoy it.  I would find last minute chores and shopping stressful—but that’s just me.)  If possible, do your shopping in less busy times.  I know some gals who have bought their children’s gifts at Walmart at 4am before they came to work.  I applaud anyone who gets up that early to buy Christmas presents. 

4.      Hubby suggested this one:  eat before you go shopping so you aren’t tempted to grab unhealthy fast food.

5.  Don't forget to care for your physical body.  That includes:  good food, exercise, a good night's sleep and other healthy behaviors.