As I prepare for the new year, I always try to look back at the what, why, how, where and when of the Holidays and asked myself many questions….
Like:
Why do I eat until I don't feel well? When did I over do it and why? Did I see everyone I wanted to over the weeks of Holiday events? Did I get to spend enough time with each person? How will the people around me remember the holiday this year? Did we have enough or too much for everyone? Including gifts and food, decorations and fun?
These are just a few that I ask myself during this time of year. I was in retail for many years and I always was stressed out- just because of the time I had to spend at work…gearing up for the holiday sales and then the extra time spent marking things down to make room for new spring goods. It was so much to do, in such a short period of time; and Corporate expected big numbers and great customer service, which included, hiring and training a new Christmas staff. What joy! And so on and so on….I can truly say I am so glad to be away from all the stress of Christmas retail! I still start getting wacked out just before Thanksgiving…and I have to constantly remind myself(and my wonderful husband Dan does also!)…. "Peace, Peace, wonderful peace…coming down from the Father above!"
You have to take the time to remember what the holiday is all about and what you can and can't do. The holiday will still go on. Christmas will still happen weather you hang a ball on a tree or not!
All of the holiday hub bub gets me excited….crazy…. Let down… it is an emotional rollercoaster- which means eating for me- for others it's spending too much, relational strain, and just being physically tired out! Does any of this relate?
I know I eat cuz' I love food- all the great goodies everyone so tiresly prepares. My family events have always been "food driven". A social gathering around a big meal. The stress is: what to fix? What can I make better than before? What old favorites do we have to have? What's not just my favorites, but what is everyone's favorites who will be there? Will it make me happy to have it, eat it or see it be enjoyed by someone I love? It's pressure…why again do we put ourselves through it? I have chatted with a few of my friends about this time of year or for that matter anytime of year that they are, "stressed out." I have to tell you I have met my ultimate…..
A lady at church, that I volunteer with said, "Whenever I am very stressed out for an event- I lose 15 pounds!"
WHAT? Did she just say I thought she did? REALLY? Lose weight because of stress? I can barely fathom the fact that she would not stress eat her way through a big event. She is one of those people whom "forgets to eat." I have always found these people interesting. I would like to become one someday. To be busy enough not to think about food, to not have something to "calm my nerves." I did ask her what she does in those times and she has a better compulsion- CLEANING! Lord, make me a compulsive cleaner.
A new year, means new goals for 2011! One of my goals is to journal…. What I eat, why I eat, when I am hungry, how much water and exercise I had for the day.
Another is, use smaller plates- it's psychological and it works!
Don't stress and mindless eat, get something to do with your hands! A hobby, craft, etc…
My husband and I did a Thanksgiving Homeless Bag project this year. We had never done anything exactly like this, but it was fun and the adults and children loved the bags of hope. They included: gloves, soap, washcloths, toothpaste and brushes, combs, de-odorant, tooth picks, granola bars, candy, Vienna sausages, gift cards, packs of wet wipes, Kleenex, q-tips, and assorted other goodies. We also got 300 teddy bears donated for the kids. It was fun collecting all the stuff and getting friends involved. We did it for those less fortunate and to show the love of Christ to those who don't have at the holiday season.
Go and be a blessing!
Miki
