“In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Last week I awoke with a sense of anxiety. An unsettling, restless feeling that I should be doing or had forgotten something. But what?
I learned these Christmas balls are plastic. Cool!
Even before Thanksgiving, I’d seen men with towering ladders stringing Christmas lights atop roofs. Pretty, but I’m content to admire theirs. Christmas balls appeared on trees around the neighborhood, perhaps giving me the feeling I should be decorating. But why would those lovely ornaments make me stressed?
I’ve read about stress over the years. Bottom line: It’s usually not good for our health. One study suggests that even positive events can cause stress. Yet some people seem to thrive on it. Is there no way to win? Battling traffic and watching the news are stressors for me. Both literally raise my blood pressure. But during the Holiday season, is it possible to avoid stressors and enjoy happiness? You may consider using products from D8SuperStore an effective way to overcome stress.
It wouldn’t surprise me if many people would tell you no to this question. When it comes to the holiday season, everyone strives to make sure that it is the best that they can make it, especially when it comes to the food, gifts, and family get-togethers. For some people, it simply has to be perfect. So, it’s no wonder why my friend has thought about buying CBD oil in the UK as well as looking for the best company at the same time, to help make sure that she can get through this season stress-free and happy. I’ve heard a couple of people say that they’ve taken marijuana-based products before to try and reduce stress, so maybe I should consider looking into that method. There are so many different strains of marijuana, so it’s important to do some research. My friend said that she’s been looking for some thc crystals for sale to help her manage stress. Recently, I also came across a thc drink that’s been getting great reviews for promoting calm and clarity—definitely something worth trying. Apparently, those crystals help people to feel more energetic too. That would be useful for the holidays, so it might be worth looking into those sorts of methods. I wonder how other people stay calm during the holidays. Vaping with these Terea Japan vape flavors may also help relieve your stress and calm your mind.
Old Order Amish couple heading home after church service in Lancaster County.
The Amish often come to mind. As a group they seem at peace, but in truth they carry challenges and disappointments of every sort, both emotional and financial. How do you think they cope? I heard a gentleman recently say, “The key to happiness is gratitude,” which he attributed to Hans Selye, an endocrinologist who studied in depth the bad effects of stress on the human body and mind. Especially this time of year, the world abounds with stressful situations and yet not an abundance of gratitude.
I think of the word entitlement. With the mindset that one is entitled, can gratitude be achieved? For people who feel entitled is it even possible to speak words of gratitude?
A fun display for the holidays!
This season has been called the happiest time of the year. Are you feeling grateful or does the holiday hubbub stress you out? Is gratitude a natural emotion, or must we work at it? What could make you grateful in the worst of times?
Amish-made table topper and potholder from Lancaster County. PA,
Leave a comment to enter to win this stunning Amish-made table topper and fun potholder, plus a signed copy of A Letter from Lancaster County, or one signed book from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy – either CBA bestseller Leaving Lancaster, its sequel CBA bestseller Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish.
Winner has 3 days to respond. USA and Canada entries only. Winner will be chosen at random and announced in one week.
You make a great point. Now that I’m older, I’m finding that the holidays have been stressing me out. I think it would be best to practice gratitude and try not to fall into the stress. Thanks for sharing!
I’m going to try to do my best this year, Kailey. Thanks for your encouraging comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
my mom always reminds me to be grateful….it’s hard though, on a stressful morning. it’s easier to sit and think of what i am thankful for once i get home and can relax. this prize is awesome! how sweet
Your mom sounds like a wise woman, Amy. First thing in the morning is probably my hardest time to be grateful. I keep forgetting until the day is almost done. I should write myself a reminder and affix it to the mirror. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I think that stress comes from unrealistic expectations, which magnify during the holidays. We somehow convince ourselves that things will magically change in every situation. To remove stress from the holidays, we have to decide what we will allow to root inside of each of us. (Yes, I need to do it.) 🙂
Thank you for your insightful comment, Annette. What is it about this time of year? Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Definitely grateful. I am blessed to have a family that show a lot of love. When I have run into hard situations they have always helped me. Alot prayers and alot of love.
How fabulous that you are grateful and blessed with a loving family, Lisa. Can’t beat prayer and love in hard situations. Thanks for your uplifting comment. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I think I am like everyone else and has a certain amount of holiday stress, but this year feels different for some reason. I have more peace than usual. I have been more stressed over this health insurance sign up stuff than anything else.lol Entitlement I think goes against gratitude. I don’t think a person can truly be grateful for what they have if they feel entitled to what they get. Does that make sense? I am not Amish, but admire the simplicity of how they live. I wonder why we, society, are never satisfied or comfortable with what we have. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and enjoy many blessings. Beautiful giveaway.
How wonderful that you have more peace than usual, Katrina. Yes, your comments make sense. I hope you have a wonderful, stress-free holiday season too. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
This is an extremely stressful time of the year, but I try to reflect on what is most important to me…family. One year, a long time now, I had a baby that was born with a birth defect, she never learned to suck, and would hold her breath for up to twenty minutes, she lived for 77 days, gone but always in my heart, and the Lord took her home on his birthday. God Bless!
I can imagine you still grieve for your lost child, Maureen. I’m sure I would. Christmas might be a bittersweet time for you. Thanks for sharing your story and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Those are beautiful. I think when we put to much into the holiday we are losing its true meaning. I enjoy holidays but i try to keep it simple. Because especially Christmas I know the most important thing of all is it’s about Christ. So what do I really need to do is focus on Christ and not all the worldly things we tend to get carried away with. I found family time together is number one next to God. I don’t need to take all the time away to worry about decorations and meals it just spending time with both Christ and my family and friends. Merry CHRISTmas!!
Blessings
Diana
You hit a homer, Diana. Or the equivalent for women. Thanks for writing your splendid Christ-centered comment. Best of luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am grateful but there is stress around the day to day life and money troubles always come around holidays.
I think you’ve hit on part of my stress, Angie. My husband and I have cut way down on the gift giving, but we have grandkids … And also once I’m out shopping I see things I didn’t know I needed. It’s hard to resist the sales. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I find that I tend to stress out over everything during this time of the year. It all has to be perfect. Small things can set me off. This year I am going to try and dial it back, to make it s “Christ”mas. That’s what really is important.
You are completely correct, Christine. We are hosting Christmas dinner for the extended family and I’m using paper napkins. If I could get away with plastic plates I might, but my husband would never go for it. Fortunately, our extended family does not expect perfection from us so I might even use the candles left over from last Easter. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Blessings this season to all! Beautiful workmanship on these gifts! Thanks for giving us a chance to win them! Just that is enough to put a smile on my face….Yes, gratitude is the key! I have health issues, may not seem much to anyone who doesn’t suffer with these problem; but they can be hugh for me! About 10 minutes ago I got a text friend of ours is rushed into surgery! If this doesn’t keep ya humble! We try to remember someone else has less or harder times than us; to always be thankful for what God has given to us!
Many who don’t suffer health issues just don’t get it, Brenda. As in many things we just have to let go of their ignorance … and be grateful we are not getting rushed to emergency surgery. Many of the comments like yours have been good for me. I appreciate the reminders to thank God for His gifts. Best of luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I know how you feel. I used to love the holidays. I have trouble with them now for the last 3 years.
I’m sorry to hear these last three years have been tough, Paula. I pray right now that the coming holidays uplift you in some new or unexpected way. Thanks for commenting and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’m always grateful for the little things in life. Visiting Lancaster County is a great stress releaser for me. This past weekend I was up in Lancaster at a scrapbooker’s retreat and used the same amish print fabric you used for my album cover picture. Reading my amish fiction is an exceptional stress reliever.
Thanks for your lovely comment, Myrtle. Even my go-getter husband finds visiting Lancaster County relaxing. A scrapbookers retreat sounds fun. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I understand to well I take medicine for axienty and panic attacks. They are no fun. My problem is I worry so much and for things that are out of my control I have been on medicine and helps a little. I hope you find a way to settle down and be able to relax and enjoy all in the winter months.
Thank you for sharing everyone. I thought not to many people had this problem and thank you for this great opportunity. Bless you all
You are not alone, Melissa. Although I am fortunate and do not suffer from panic attacks. Friends have described them and they do indeed sound no fun. The older I get, the less anxious I am about all the little things, such as having the table set just right for company. Bless you, and thanks for this great comment. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I guess after I got older things stress me out more. With have high blood pressure and diabetes I tend to stress more. This morning was bad. I stress for not having enough money to pay bills and Christmas coming up. No money to buy gifts.
I am thankful that I have a son. 2 grandchildren 8 great grandchildren. All in pretty good health. I think about them and how wonderful they are.
But I also stress because I can’t buy what they want.
I need to think of the good things and be glad that I am doing as good as I can.
Be thankful that the good Lord as given me pretty good health and be thankful that he is watching over me.
Sue, don’t stress over being able to buy what they “want”. Wanting too much or too expensive comes with entitlement. We always did 3 gifts. 1) something they want, 2) something they need, 3) a book. For your son and adult grandchildren: make them a recipe book of all your favorite family recipes. I did this when my children were very small and my family members still use it to this day. For the great grands, if they are local, give them a coupon for “a day with grandma”, crochet, knit, make them a scarf. I have a pattern for a very simple fleece scarf that involves no sewing. Littles love color books and crayons, or finger paints. Christmas does not have to be expensive or exactly what THEY WANT. Taking that stress away will help with your health issues as well. I learned that many years ago when I almost ended up in ER on Thanksgiving night due to stress. If you need help, just let me know my friend. I can help with that coookbook
Robin, thanks for sharing your terrific ideas! I would love another day with grandma. You sound like a wonderful woman to have for a friend!
Kate
Sounds like you have a lovely family, Sue. My blood pressure usually edges up when I watch the news. I actually keep a blood pressure cuff by the couch to remind myself. Our grandkids already have so much stuff that we are keeping it light. With each other too. My husband and I go to a drugstore type place and find things that we were going to buy anyway … that magically appear in our stockings. No big presents, and we only buy our sons something if they really need it. Good health is a gift many, many people would be grateful for. He is watching over you. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I think this season is stressful for most of us. Being grateful is a great antidote to entitlement, and the stressed feeling so many struggle with. Stress isn’t something we can avoid, but if we practice being grateful on a regular basis we can manage the negative affects of stress. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you, Tracie. I admit I need to practice being grateful too, on a regular basis. Sometimes I forget … Good luck and the giveaway!
Kate
This season can be so very stressful, especially to ones who have lost a loved one, or are trying to survive a disease…so many things take our focus. This year, I’m trying to make it a point to be grateful for the things around me, my family, and love. If I’m thinking of something or doing something that I realize is more stressful than fun, I’m giving that up to the Lord, and moving on in my gratefulness.
It sounds as though you have a terrific strategy to lessen your stress, Rachel. An excellent plan to ask yourself if what you’re doing is more stressful than fun. I might borrow that idea if you don’t mind. Thanks for your thoughtful comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
It is hard for me not to stress when the holidays are on the horizon! I don’t know if my kids are going to make it home for Christmas, I don’t think the gifts I buy are enough, etc! I tell myself to let it go! But I am 64 years old, and it still stresses me out! Wish I was one of those people that just lets everything go, but unfortunately I am not one of those!
My ingenious mother-in-law decided a few years ago to not exchange gifts anymore, Sandy. She’s almost 30 years older than you are … This was about 10 years ago. You are not too old to make a few adjustments, should you decide you want to. BTW: In her younger years she was much like you and used to worry a lot. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Holidays are a sad time for me but Christmas I try not to stress I do things to help others that are in need its the season of giving but I do it all year long love your books would be an honor to win tbis
I was just listening to a woman about the sadness that holidays bring her, Ernestine. I told her about watching the oldie movie ‘Great Expectations’ (a remake of a Charles Dickens book) and how the title struck me because it seems we all expect something from childhood we either did or did not have and hope to recreate this time of year. How wonderful that you help others in need, a terrific way to stop fretting or feeling sad. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I think that gratitude is the answer to less or little stress although stress is really unavoidable. I adopted the ” This too Shall Pass ” Attitude, no matter how bad things seem to be or get, I know that all things are temporary and that the Lord will bring about good for me. Sometimes it is hard, very hard…This fall we came home after 5 months in TN , living near my son and new grandbaby…only to find our home full of mold and I felt devastated but did not give up hope. I knew there had to be a way to rid the house of mold and get to be in our home again but it sure came with a high price tag. So $12k later and having to have a huge (3 times taller then my home tree taken down) We are home in our house after 3 months. It wasn’t easy at first as no one wanted to believe it could be done and wanted to move elsewhere, but this house has a history and character and I wanted to be here not far from my moms. Thankfully she was here for me and helped with the financial end and even though that means debt to her, I am so thankful for the Lord and my Mom helping us to get this done…It meant losing a lot of things I had left here and we filled 2 30 yard dumpsters with our belongings that was a loss , but I know there too the Lord will provide and give me what is needed in this season of my life and I try to find the blessing in each day, each small thing he adds to my life. Gratitude is surely the key to keeping stress low. Happy Holidays Everyone and Blessings to you Dear Kate !
Oh, my, a novelist could pen a book about what you went through, Linda. I’m glad to hear your crazy stress-filled situation was resolved. Three cheers for your marvelous mom and for a Lord who knows no bounds. He did provide. Thank you for your captivating comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I have never let stress effect me, I realized early in life that many many people have it so much worse than we did. Even thou my Mother’s life was one of difficulty and some would say extreme high stress she never let it get to her and in doing that taught each of us kids to do the same. I in turn passed that to my children. My Mother was one of a handfull of polio victims from the first outbreak in 1956. She was in a wheelchair from the time she was 17 however that never stopped her from raising 5 step stair kids even after my father left shortly after the last ( me) was 5 She insisted her life was no different than anyone’s and she made she we all put others first before ourself. Now with this Christmas being our first without her our gratitude come in knowing we spend our time helping as many who have less than we do as my mother would do,knowing this would be her wish for us and her. Are life is full when we give to others is what we say.
Your mother sounds like an outstanding woman, Cherese. I know enough about you to believe you spend your time helping others as your mother would. Thanks for your compelling comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
It seems these days that we should be “stressed for success.” I try not to stress about Christmas and we have made things very simple. Little decorating and small gifts, but thers is the usual hustle and bustle. This year we are adding a college graduation for our son into the mix. So it should be interesting!
Someone should coin that phrase, Perrianne. Well done. And congratulations to you son. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
What a wonderful time of the year!!
I do not let things stress me out!
I keep my mind on the true meaning of Christmas. My favorite phrase is….”Jesus is the Reason for the Season!”.
Merry Christmas!
How lovely that you love Christmas, Elaine! You have the perfect attitude. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
With me the stress is wanting to give to so many people but unfortunately not able too.I am not talking about giving cars,gold or diamonds,I am talking about just little gifts.Like dolls and bikes for all the children that won’t get anything this year.For all the elderly that won’t receive anything.For the military men and women and their families that won’t be together this year,my family that struggles but seems to get nowhere.I reflect on the true meaning of Christmas but I still get stressed over things like this.And what helps?,giving it to the Lord.
His shoulders are stronger than ours, Jackie. You sound very generous, but in truth a card would be treasured by an older person. My husband and I don’t exchange gifts anymore, including birthdays. Just too much stuff. It must be terribly difficult for parents with little money. So much advertising that it makes it seem as if everyone is a millionaire. In truth, the best gift most parents could give their children is for the parents to love each other, and to love them. Thanks for your comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Abraham Lincoln said that happiness is wanting what we have…after your pist, I would add…and being grateful for it.
I’ve never heard that quote, Judy. Thanks for sharing it with me. I like that you added “being grateful for it.” Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Gratitude should be the key to success, times has changed, there is more open stress, anger & hate in our society today then years ago. We were taught to help one another, which I continue to do when I am able. (Health reasons). My husband and I with a couple of friends were just talking about this the other evening. We said, we are rich, we have God, each other, family and friends whom we help. (Not financially) but other ways we can. One friend lost his wife 5 years ago, our neighbor’s wife has been in a nursing home for 5 yrs. Every year we invite them to our Senior Citizen’s Christmas Party as our guests. Socialize with friends, good meal, entertainment, prizes. etc. I cook and bake for our neighbor all year round. I do what I can when I am able. Just remember, other people’s problems may be worse then your own. Also this holiday season let the Lord handle your problems and remember, “Jesus Is the Reason for the Season”. Merry Christmas Everyone!
You are just the kind of person most of us would like for a friend, Billee. Generous, caring, and God-loving. Thanks for sharing your thoughtful and encouraging comment. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I try to concentrate on doing for others. I crochet as many gifts as I can. I work as an Administrative Assustant in the dialysis clinic where my husband goes. I love to interact and do things for the staff and the patients. When you realize that the dialysis machine is keeping the patients alive, my troubles don’t seem so bad.
That is a good reminder for me too, Melissa. How lovely that you crochet as many gifts as you can, and interact with the staff and patients. I admire your generous attitude. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I don’t stress over the holidays. I love to bake and give gifts of food to my friends and neighbors. I raised my daughters to not expect to be handed things in life, to be grateful for what they have as others may have less. I realize that I can only do so much and try to be happy that I can do what I can. Having health issues (pain from arthritis and fibromyalgia) and depression, I have lived through stress for years and learned that it is just not worth it. Blessings to all for a stress free holiday.
Blessings to you, Robin. I’m praying for you right now that your health issues and depression will improve after gliding through a stress free Christmas. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
It can be very stressful during all the hustle and bustle. I try and do what I can on my limited budget. I try to stay focus on Getting them something they need, something to wear,something to read and something they want. 4 gifts.
That’s a great idea, Kristina. No use in getting in debt for things they neither need or want. Fortunately, just yesterday, our son told me what our grandson wants and needs. (I’d asked w/o results) Phew. Thanks for your comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I try not to stress over the holidays . I buy what I can usually one nice gift each. Then we all get together for family dinner . Great times
Those great times are what really count, Regina. Thanks for your comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
For many years, I watched my mom, who was my best friend, put up her Christmas decor on the day after Thanksgiving. She never stressed it. She just knew it would be. So, after she passed away, the first year, we went to my grandma’s. She, too, didn’t stress she just did. The next year, I stressed putting them up. I was missing my mom, I was missing her talks and hugs and us singing the Christmas songs. The next year I didn’t put up much, just the tree because I didn’t want to stress. This year? My whole house is decorated indoors and out and I didn’t stress, I just did. I am not stressing the hustle and bustle of buying gifts. What will be will be. I feel my mom with me in the little moments and in the big moments and it helps to remember that Jesus is the reason for the season not the stress. <3
The fact that your mother was your best friend is a gift better than any. Neither your grandma or mother stressed over Christmas … a wonderful inheritance. Both must have kept focused on the Reason. Wishing you good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I try not to get stressed out during the holidays, but I do. My boys and their families live out of state from us, so we can’t always be together for Christmas. I really miss my eleven grandchildren, but we do call them, so we can be grateful for that.
Having 11 grandchildren sounds fabulous, Carol, but I imagine having your families live out of state is hard. I recall visiting my grandma (my mom’s mom) often, and actually living with her several times. Sweet memories. Grandparents are precious. Thanks for leaving your comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’m grateful that I have a husband and sons who love me unconditionally and help me cope with my PTSD. We were hit hard by Hurricane Harvey and lost a lot including over 500 books of my collection. I’m grateful that everyday that God is still here and continues to watch over me and amaze me.
When I watched the devastation of hurricane Harvey on TV I was dumbfounded. And yet those disasters happen across the world. God is still in control. Wow, that was a lot of books to lose. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I tend to stress, but that is my own fault for procrastinating. I enjoy the holidays when I can do things, or buy things, for others that they wouldn’t normally do for themselves. And the big joy is to help someone who might be less fortunate than me. I like to keep my favorite wax melts going in my warmers to help ease any stress and add to the holiday scents.
I’ve heard that our sense of smell can trigger emotions and memories, Mary. Sounds like an excellent way to destress. I find that the greatest gift I can give some people is that of my time, which comes in short supplythis time of year. But I love helping others out when I can. Wishing you good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
For me, which means probably nobody else lol, I find if I am starting to seriously stress out I go up to the barn and rub and comb on the cows and calves and usually in a very short time I am pretty leveled out it seems to do wonders for me and my blood pressure
I believe you, Richard. I saw a scientific study once about how petting a dog or cat literally brings blood pressure down. And I imagine this is the same for cows and calves. In fact, I feel my blood pressure lowering just thinking about it. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I understand that stress is bad for your health. I try not to stress over the little things and it is still hard.
Yes, sometimes it is near impossible, Nancy Jo. The little things should not rob us of our happiness and health. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
A quiet corner, a cup of cocoa, a Bible verse to pnder, and a family photo album to look at.
Those sound like great de-stressors, Paula. I love looking through our photo albums, as do our sons. A good reminder to get some of my new photos printed and buy some new albums. One problem with the digital camera … Thanks for your good tips. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am trying to be unstressed. I have planned my gifting better this year and have vowed I am not going to stress out.
I hope both you and I keep our vows not to get stressed out, Debbie. Last year my husband and I didn’t even fill our stockings, but this year we are shopping at the drugstore for little necessities and actually choosing our own gifts. Most of the adults in our lives do not want presents, and we’re not going crazy over our grandkids. Christmas Eve dinner might be another story, but we’re asking each person to bring a side-dish. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Thank you for the reminder. Gratitude can be cultivated. We must. Thank you Lord for blessing me.
I need to remind myself every day, Jennifer. Particularly this month. Compared to most people in this vast world our blessings abound. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am too stressed to stress about the holidays. I am a new teacher and needless to say, it has been a busy and fast few months. I just want have time to put up my Christmas tree!
Congratulations on your new job, Hannah. I can imagine you’ve been busy. If we didn’t put up a tree my heart would not be broken, but my husband insists. Plus we are hosting a family Christmas Eve dinner and I’m sure the little ones would miss it. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I shopped early to relieve some of the holiday stress. Mine is more depression since losing my husband and having grown kids that wont be here for Christmas…I miss my grands! But God is good..right? I have decided to adopt an older couple whose only daughter passed away when she was just a teen. I am having fun deciding what to do for them.
How lovely and generous that you have adopted an older couple. What a blessing you will be to them. Happy decorating and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I try to keep things simple and as easy as possible. After having a stroke at the ripe old age of 32, I have tried to reduce my stress and practice patience more than ever. I pray a lot especially with two teenage girls in the house. Yes, somr days are harder than others but I try to remember most stresses will not matter tomorrow or next week.
Keeping things simple and easy is the way to go, Cecelia. You are not the only woman I know who had a stroke around that age. Not easy. I pray for you and your two daughters and will keep your good advice in mind: Most stresses will not matter tomorrow or next week. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I think because I am retired, Christmas is less stressful for me. Take time out for myself and keep things simple. Love the items in the giveaway. Thanks for the chance to win. Have a blessed week.
Taking time out for yourself and keeping things simple sounds perfect, Debbie. Thanks for entering the giveaway and wishing you a blessed week!
Kate
I’m so very grateful for ALL my family and friends.
You have a terrific attitude, Betty. Can’t buy family and friends on Amazon. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Hi. I have found that if I get right up from the table at each meal and wash and dry the dishes and play Christmas music that the stress seems to go away. Could be why the Amish are so relaxed. It works just as well without the music. Who Knew? (ps. I can’t get into my E-mail, so private message me, but not if I don’t win. LOL)
I’ve been turning on the radio and listening to Christmas music too, Carol. However, you are ahead of me as my sink is full of dirty dishes. It would be fun if you won. Good luck!
Kate
I use to stress a bunch but as I get older and my health isn’t too good I’ve learned to take it one day at a time and mostly trust God! I pray a lot!
Taking one day at a time and praying is a good routine all year round, Charlotte. Thanks for your insightful comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
When the kids were home, the holidays were my favorite time of the year. Didn’t matter if it was Church, shopping, cooking or decorating; it was joyful. Somehow the older my husband and I get, the more stressful it all gets. Is it health? I don’t think so, surely there are others who have even greater health issues than us. Shopping? That is a definite no, online shopping has taken care of most of that. Not sure what has taken so much of the joy away. This year I am trying to tune out the stress and find some of that holiday joy from a few years back. Happy holidays.
I hope you do find a way to recover your former holiday joy from years past, Catherine. I try to shop at local stores, to keep them in business, but admit to buying almost everything online. Thanks for writing and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I think the more grateful we are the less stressed and anxious we tend to be. I’m having to learn that lesson everyday right now. Your post is a great reminder!
It was a good reminder for me too, Becky. On a daily basis. Wishing you the best of luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Try to keep things simple and just concentrate on the true meaning of Christmas and enjoy your family 🙂
That sounds ideal, Michelle. Sometimes we have to expand our family through friends and enjoy them too. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Lovely giveaway as always! I don’t think the Amish are immune to stress. It seems to them that what happens is God’s Will. Which should come naturally to all Christians; however, we somehow let life get in the way! I have been with my elderly mom since Sept. due to her breaking her arm and my husband has had three surgeries while I am away with my mom..she’s in Ark., he’s in PA! At times that has been extremely stressful. However, we are making memories! Thanks for the opportunity to win! Merry Christmas and blessings for a Happy New Year to you and your family!
You are a real good daughter taking care of your Mom like you have been with your husband all the way in PA going through his surgeries I am sure you have handled this very well Merry Christmas to you, your husband and Mom
Merry Christmas and blessings to you, Linda. Would that you could be in two places at once. Such a dilemma, and yet I understand why you would want to be with your elderly mother. Every moment is precious. Mine died at age 69; much too young. . Once again, I thank you for entering the giveaway and wish you good luck!
Kate
Love your decorations!!! I also would enjoy having the Amish table cover and pot holder, and a copy of A Letter From Lancaster County, Thank You for the chance to win them.
Thank you for entering the giveaway, Lucy. It would be fun if you did win the prizes, plus get a chance to read my most recent book. If not, there’s always the public library … Good luck!
Kate