Feeling the Pressure? Avoid a Christmas Melt Down!

“May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way”
2 Thessalonians 3:16

Has the pressure begun? You’ve already:

• Gone shopping.
• Been stuck in traffic.
• Driven around and around looking for a parking spot.
• Gotten a bit cranky.

I don’t know about you, but when I’m under pressure, I do get a bit irritable. My words aren’t always sweet and kind. And, sometimes, all my beautiful prayers that I might be like Jesus (patient, loving, and self-sacrificing) seem to go out the window.  It’s little wonder I wrote a book called, “I’m Too Human to be Like Jesus—Spiritual Growth for the Not-so-perfect Woman.”  

Mix together the usual Christmas pressures:

• Find the perfect present for everyone, at a bargain price,
• Decorate a gorgeous tree,
• Bake enough cookies to feed the five thousand,
• Throw a fabulous party for everyone you know.

If you then stir in tired, irritable kids and husbands groaning at the cost of it all—and the greatest season of the year can easily become one you’d rather forget as tempers flare, children bicker and you have an emotional melt down!

Anyone been there?

Want things to be different? 

• First: Take a few deep breaths! It calms your brain and body.
• Second: Smile—whether you feel like it or not. Studies show that a smile can lift your mood and it’s contagious! When you’re stressed, catch someone’s eye, or greet them, and SMILE!
• Third: Consciously choose to speak kindly and calmly to others, especially your kids, your spouse, and yourself.

Be Kind to Your Kids (Or Grandkids)

At Christmas, it’s easy to forget that little ones don’t have the energy to go to one more store! In your understandable drive to get as much done as possible, do you ignore their cries for attention—until they keep raising the decibel level – Mommy, Mommy, Mommy? Then find it’s easy to snap and say words that wound? Try this instead:

• Get on their eye level. Speak softly not roughly. Give them your full attention.
• Embrace them and respond lovingly to the situation. Proverbs 12:18 says: Reckless words pierce like a sword…” That’s true for kids of every age!

• Be the master of your day—think about your plans and your kids’ stamina.
• Be smart and anticipate problems. Make plans to handle them before your kids lose it.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if, in addition to the games and toys you give your kids, you blessed them (and your older children) with loving words?

Be Kind to Your Husband

What about intentionally speaking positively to your husband? Here’s some ideas:

• Wouldn’t he love to receive WORDS of appreciation, or admiration, or acceptance—as well as that gizmo/sweater/underwear?
• How about words of support: What can I do today that would help you out?
• Or words of respect: What do you think about this? How do you feel about…? Tell me more.

­­­­­­­­­­­­Be Kind to Yourself

Don’t neglect treating yourself with respect. Instead of criticizing and attacking yourself, nourish your heart by speaking words of kindness and truth to yourself.

• Refuse to say to yourself what you’d never dream of saying to anyone else!
• Rehearse your positive character traits developed by God, and not your weaknesses. Thank Him for what He has done in you.
• Reject comparison with others. You are a woman God loves and is working in.

When you feel stressed and pressured, remember that your words are powerful. They are gifts that can bless, heal, and bring joy to others, and yourself. Use them—and Smile!  
 
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace,
Poppy