This is our second year of Christmas under pandemic restrictions. There has been much news and talk about how to prevent catching the big “C”, but not as much has been said about remembering to take care of your overall body-mind-spirit.

Pandemic life is extra draining. There are concerns about following or not following any mandates that are inplace; figuring out how to turn down holiday invites; and trying to gently let loved ones know you won’t be joining them in person for the holidays out of concerns about public health.
Self-care during the holiday season is important, these are some ways to tend to your body-mind-spirit this holiday season.

Turn Off the News
It’ll be alright if you don’t watch, read, or listen to the news for a few days. What is the worst that will happen if you turned of the news for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day (in Canada)? If you need to know road and weather conditions for safety reasons, there is always the weather network and Google.

Limit Social Media
The holidays is a great time to limit or take a complete breaks from social media. Again, what are you missing out on if you are not on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for two days?
This is a great time to watch or catch up on television series, going to a movie, maybe go for walks, go ice skating, read a good book or magazine, or play board games; engage in anything that your interested in that doesn’t involve social media.
You can always wish people online a Happy Christmas on the 24th and sign off until Christmas day is over.

Take A Nap
The holidays can be a great time to sleep in even if your internal alarm wakes you up at 6:30am thinking it’s a work day. Or reverse it; stay up later than you normally would and use that time to engage in meaningful activities, hanging out with friends and family, or anything that you normally wouldn’t be able to do when you have to get up early for work.

Paying Attention to the Foods and Drinks You Consume
I’m not advocating that anyone diet during Christmas; that’s an instant killer of holiday joy. But I will say that it’s important to be aware of how much alcohol you consume if you can’t hold your liquor. No one likes to be stuck with an annoying drunk, even if it’s family. Be mindful of any health issues you have. If you’re diabetic, remember to stick to your routines. Your body doesn’t give you an exception for get togethers.

Get Outdoors, Get Moving
It’s easy to spend all day in doors eating, talking, and sitting around, but it’s a good idea to get some fresh air. It’s easier to get up and get going if you have an activity planned: going for a walk, snowshoeing, ice skating, or attending outdoor events.

Know When to Say Goodbye
Constantly being around people can be draining and sometimes frustrating. Know your limits. If you know a head of time that you’ll be around people who drain your energy, establish a time limit before hand. Let them know you’re only visiting for 3 or 4 hours. Decide how many days you can realistically handle spending at your families home.
Christmas is not meant to make you miserable and unhappy. That is not how Jesus wants you to spend the day that is meant to honour his birth and arrival here on earth.

Prayer
The irony of Christmas is that it evolved into a commercial holiday rather than a religious holiday. Make time for Jesus. This goes beyond going to Church on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Take time to personally reflect on the year.
How have you seen God’s presence in your life?
Beside material gifts, what are you most thankful for this Christmas? Make room for one-on-one time between you and God.

 

It’s almost December and the first Sunday of Advent is fast approaching. Christmas parties and events have already begun and with each week there is increased busyness related to the holidays.

As a culture our time is not filled with the story of Jesus’ arrival into the world, instead, we are often consumed with celebration of the secular holiday season and commercialism. I’m not about to pretend that I somehow become extra holy during Advent and Christmas, but I can certainly feel the tension between focusing on Christ verses focusing on the secular celebrations and habits of the season.

I don’t have a problem with making “Jesus the reason for the Season”. I feel an increased need to draw closer to Christ during these busy times because I am tempted by corporations that try to convince us that Christmas doesn’t exist without all the small appliances and toys they are offering for sale. I need to call on Jesus so I don’t allow myself to become a bitter and angry person when family issues surface due to holiday pressures. My prayers increase because I see the desperate needs of people who live on the streets and those who are living in poverty and I remember what Jesus said to us about our relationship with those who are poor. I remember my identity in Christ when the thief of comparison pays a visit, reminding myself and others of the material things we don’t have.

I invite Jesus into the holiday season by engaging in Advent rituals. Without these daily reminders it becomes easy to spend more time focusing on Christmas instead of Christ.

There’s nothing wrong with having fun during the holidays, personally, I think it’s necessary for our well being to do so. The winter season is long, dark, cold, and sometimes depressing. Gathering together and having fun is the best way to beat the winter blues.

So, what are some ways you can invite Jesus into your holiday?

Advent Wreath: With an advent wreath in your home, you have a visual reminder of the seasonal themes Love, Joy, Peace, and Love. You can light the candles every day or once a week. You can even take things further by doing a reading or prayer each time you light the candles.

Advent Daily Devotional: These devotionals focus specifically on the story of Christ’s incarnation, the prophecies of the Hebrew scriptures with foretold the story of Christ, and provide reflections on how to live as Christians waiting for the advent (coming) of Christ.

Decorate your home with religious symbols: Christmas is filled with beautiful trees and the equally appealing decorations they hold. Adding religious decorations such as nativity scenes, angels, and art depicting the Christmas story serve as reminders that Jesus is a part of our holidays.

Listen to Christian Christmas Music: There are many winter songs that sing of warming up by the fire, Santa Claus and loved ones, but throwing in some songs that reflect the hope and joy of the season help to create a spiritual atmosphere. Christian Christmas music is found across many genres and are produced by both Christian and non-Christian artists.

Give-Give-Give: Christmas brings out the charity in all of us. A great way to celebrate the holidays is sharing with others whether it be by giving financially to a charity of your choice or by donating goods and your time to organizations.