12 Nays of Christmas

Hey from common-woman! First, a friend challenged common-woman to give hints of ways

to say “no” to way too much of everything during the holidays. Later, when talking with another friend, she shared some of her ideas of how to de-stress the days leading up to the celebration of Christmas.

So No! Nay! Or even Neigh! as needed for a peaceful celebration of the birth of Jesus!

Many thanks to Carly and Lisa for brainstorming this practical and helpful list of:

“The 12 Nays of Christmas”

12 ideas for kind-to-yourself ways to manage Christmas, 2021:

1.) In your family, talk over ideas for limiting gift-giving (saves money, prevents over indulging children, puts the focus back on Jesus. Limiting gifts ***(An afterthought from a mom of adult children: “I forgot one thing we did many years ago to limit gifts: each person gets 4 gifts: Something they "want", something they "need", something to wear and something read. It helps me limit and also makes sure everyone gets something "fun" and something practical. When the kids were in college something to read was usually one of their expensive textbooks for the next semester!”)

2.) Modifying traditions to honor them but not feel bogged down by continuing them without heart.

3.) Store-bought is a fine replacement for homemade. For example, in place of time-consuming dipped mint cookies, try a chocolate cake mix cookie with an Andes mint melted on top.

4.) Don’t be a martyr…let others know how you feel and ask for help.

5.) Make sure you’re all in agreement or at least understanding about what traditions you value and want to continue.

6.) Ask for help; especially for those traditions or activities that other people hold dear.

7.) Feeling stressed out? Call a time out. Order out. Check out for an hour with hot chocolate and a soft blanket.

8.) Really consider what helps you: is it music? Candles? Soak in the tub? Walk in nature?

9.) Pinpoint what works and is helpful for you and schedule those times on the calendar.

10.) Make self-care activities “commitments”. Decline other commitments when needed. You don’t have to say why you’re not available…just “I already had a commitment on my calendar! “

11.) Use group texts when appropriate rather than scheduling an evening meeting. Check to be sure everyone has seen the group text. Ask group text members to initial or send an emogi indicating they have seen the text. Stop hurt or angry feelings of accidentally being left out BEFORE it happens.

12.) Respect and allow yourself and others to change their minds. Smile and say, “OK” if plans need to change.

Please reflect and share with common-woman your own suggestions for managing a peaceful, joy-filled season of Advent! Next year, for Christmas 2022, we can share ideas early in the season! Thank you for helping us make good choices for a blessed Christmas season.