Destination Inspiration

December 2007

Seasonal Stressors & Holiday Ho-Hums

By Lisbeth Anne Marín

Motivational Speaker

Professional Development Consultant

My childhood memories of the holiday season replay with a twinkly distortion that time paints on the past.  I recall grey winter days of heavy snow falling while butter cookies were squeezed from the hand turned, aluminum cookie-press.  Mom would knead a few drops of food coloring into homemade dough that was just as tasty raw or baked.  Many of us have similar Norman Rockwellesque versions of our childhood holiday seasons.

Fast forward to reality as a self employed, single parent and I found myself surrounded by the symptoms of the season.  Long lists of things to do, extra shopping, holiday gatherings, cards to send, gifts to buy, wrap and mail, budget busting…calendar cramming and hohohohelpme!

What was worse, one day I found myself bellyaching about it all and then three absurd words sprang from my lips…I Hate Christmas! What? Did I actually say that out loud~?! Yes, there it was, the pinnacle of frustration and exhaustion displayed for the whole world to hear…, I Hate Christmas...NOT!  Clearly the time had come to write a holiday rulebook for a single parent in the new millennium!

Perhaps I’d been attempting to replicate some iconic nostalgia that in today’s busy world was neither realistic nor possible.  It appeared that all the seasonal stress was creating an underlying sadness that attempted to shroud the season.  This was not good and would certainly leave an emotional mark on me and my household.  Still, I want my son to build his own collection of cookie-press memories.

Now I assure you that I know Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ and that all this other stuff is man-made madness. 

Our media driven world challenges us to measured-up to an unrealistic standard.  I’d hazard a guess that most of us don’t match their image.  The Christmas season kicks off moments after Labor Day with carols played ad-nauseum.  Meanwhile, TV commercials depict fabulous wives ridiculously over-decking their halls with equally fabulous husbands’ lavishing them with gifts of eternity diamonds or new cars… paalease… yeah, that’s just the way it is in my house.  The reality might be more like an overload of not so merry movements as we dash through anything but silent nights. 

So, I decided to change my attitude because I simply couldn’t fa-la-la any faster.  Sure enough, the sky didn’t fall when I passed on making home-baked cookies for my friends and neighbors.  The Christmas-card police didn’t haul me away for not sending cards to everyone I’ve ever known.  Memorable holiday meals for two didn’t require re-creating every traditional treat that my Mom had made for our baby-boomer family of five.  I realized that the best thing I could do to create cherished holiday memories, was to be in a joyful mood and step away from the hype!  My simplified, stress free version of the holiday season was absolutely perfect. 

This year I’m planning to send my loved ones a short, PowerPoint ‘Christmas Card’.  It shows a photo- timeline of our milestone events from 2007…no stamps, no cards, no cost and no fuss.  I plan to be thankful and free from seasonal stress.  This year I’ll decorate less, not worry about living up to the media’s image and have a Christmas that celebrates the true reason for the season.  I’ll remember to demonstrate forgiveness, gratitude and love for all I am and all I have.  In this season of peace and goodwill you might want to review your holiday tradition and make sure it will become a cherished memory of precious moments with the ones you love.  Remember folks, it’s all about the relationships we cultivate and the lives we touch. 

Lisbeth Anne Marín is a Motivational Training Consultant and public speaker specializing in interpersonal and organizational development skills.  She presents a wide array of staff development training programs, motivational seminars and interactive human resource workshops.  To view the topics on which training programs can be provided, please visit the website, www.lisbethanne.com or call Lisbeth at 910.867.3163 to discuss your training goals.  The website also features a gallery of award winning designs along with a schedule of complimentary Business Seminars that are presented to the public through the Center for Business and Industry at F.T.C.C.