Secrets of a stress-free Christmas
Sunday, December 22, 2019 at 11:22PM ‘Are you stressed about Christmas?’ my husband asked this morning as we both read yet another article about how to survive the madness of the silly season.
Being a minister of religion, my bloke works hard and then some at this time of year. In terms of food, gifts, parties, family, however, the answer is no. I’m not remotely stressed, and neither is he.
I admit that we are in a very different place from where we were for the 25 years from the mid-eighties. With four offspring, all heavily involved in school, sport and various other groups, there were endless break ups, graduations and barbeques to attend. For ten years we lived in country towns, and that was particularly arduous, with all the worthwhile groups in a small community that most residents are keen to support. Rural living also made for four-hour car trips (with the whole gang) to the city for extended-family dos after Christmas morning church.
In addition to this, thirty years ago I had no idea that you could say ‘no’ to anything much. I also felt that being a passionate party-hating introvert was a character flaw of which I should be deeply ashamed. Small wonder, then, that I got to the 25th of December with the tank well and truly empty.
These days, I happily say no to a lot of invitations, especially around this time of year. I enjoy my work and my colleagues enormously, but they know they won’t be seeing me at the Christmas party. Our kids have long since left the nest, so there are no obligations to fulfil on their behalf, as any halfway decent parent must.
Gift giving is a breeze, as we do Kris Kringle. Catering is easy, as everyone pitches in and most of the food, appropriately enough in our burning land, is cold.
If grandchildren make an appearance at some point, I imagine Christmas will be a little more frenetic, but doubtless that will bring its own magic. For the moment, I am happy to approach the end of the year weary but relaxed, looking forward to the prospect of holidays, the magic of music and candlelit worship, the sparkling shiraz and the brandy butter and the delight of getting the crew together.
So, for those of you in the middle of the mad family years, hang in there. It does get easier. And maybe consider that it is possible to say the occasional ‘no’.
This was published in The Melbourne Age on 23 December 2019
Reader Comments (1)
I loved your article in today's 'Age' in the Faith section. I've realised lately how much the feeling of unworthiness has dominated my life. I'm not Christian but am so pleased to have discovered your blog as well. It;s great to find an Australian blog like this. Thanks for your work.