by Tiwana Boatwright

Created on: January 19, 2010

Stress or Sincerity: Should We Reconsider the Way We Celebrate the Holidays?

We should not reconsider the way we celebrate the holidays. An inference to be drawn is that we all celebrate the holidays in the same way. Or, on the other hand, the curious insinuation that one should reconsider celebrating sincerely (what ever that means), and celebrate under the burden of stress.

In any event, any stress associated with celebrating the holidays is self-inflicted. The good news, the stress factor is a physiological consequence of manageable influences: poor spending habits, unrealistic expectations regarding holiday celebrations, confined to conventional traditions, unhealthy boundaries in one's relationships with others, and portraying a phony image of prosperity, just to mention a few.

Label it stress or sincerity, reconsider or not, but on New Year's Eve, what's so stressful about watching home movies, surrounded by a  snack buffet (nutritious and non-nutritious), with family and friends? Movie rental $20. Snacks $40. Celebrating with people you love and enjoy, $ Priceless. It's Valentine's Day and you're broken-hearted. You received no Valentine gift. What stress have you caused family and friends the previous 364 days of the year?

President's Day. Correct me if I'm wrong, but you're stressed over selecting the ideal greeting card/ gift for President Barack Obama? Have you always had this problem?  No problem for me, because it's been years since I've been pinched by anyone for not wearing green on St. Patrick's Day. However, to alleviate any stress, the usual and simple green belt, shirt, hair accessory, tie, pair of socks, or the unusual neon green highlighter will do. April Fool's Day. So you're stressed about being duped by someone's joke, or having to come up with your own? Either way...

Okay, I understand. You didn't calendar for it, but you're having a bad Friday, and of all days, on Good Friday. There are 39 other Fridays left. It's only right to mention Earth Day is only once a year, and you're stressed about throwing your trash into designated cans, and recycling? Aren't you doing that daily?

The following month, Cinco De Mayo. Senior, I'll have my usual combination taco/ enchilada plate with rice and beans, and the complimentary chips and salsa, of course. Mmmm, stress has never tasted so good! Por favor Senorita, the table closest to the Mariachis.  Now we're celebrating Mother's Day, followed by Father's Day. If nothing else, gift them an "I love you" and a heart-felt card. Oh, of course, no pen.

July 4th & Labor Day. B-e-w-a-r-e! It's a day off work, fireworks, a parade, and a bar-b-que. So, the Thanksgiving holiday is upon us. Dear Mr. and Mrs. Over Achiever, a stress-free option is turkey (protein), two side dishes and a dessert. Bless the food. Thank God for his blessings. Bon Appetite! 

Fa-la-la-la-la, la, la, la, la. Merry Christmas! Honor Jesus by loving others as He has loved you. Give according to your heart, within a reasonable budget, of course. Sincerely, I'm not minimizing the significance, the spirit, or the joy associated with holiday celebrations. My point however, holiday celebrations are stress-free. Stress is an additive, and quite possibly a by-product of an unclearly defined self-image. Happy holidays!

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