Stress-Free Christmas Dreams

“It’s the most wonderful time of year,” sings the commercial that demands you buy more and more stuff. We all dream of the wonderful holiday experience we’re led to believe exist from movies, TV and songs. “Where is that,” you ask? We want it too and this year we’re committed to having it. What are we doing to have a stress-free Christmas?

Before we answer that, let us ask why the holidays so stressful? What makes this time off the year the most common for road rage, shopping mall brawls and plan unjolliness (if that’s even a word)?

The fact is that we’re all doing more than we’d normally do. We’re going to and hosting holiday parties. We’re shopping (even if it’s online at mid-night) and wrapping. We’re putting up the tree and decorations. We’re hitting end of year work goals and annual reviews. On top of all that, we’re keeping up with our everyday activities. This all takes more time than we have. It makes it nearly impossible to avoid stress.

Here’s how you make this year different:

Step 1: Be More Intentional

How many times have you found yourself wondering the mall or online for hours in search of “the” gift? You don’t know what it is the special (or not so special) someone wants or needs, but you feel compelled to buy them something.

We suggest you shop with intent. Know what it is you want to buy and for whom before you leave the house. Not only will this save time and money, but you’ll limit exposure to the masses who are just as or more stressed than you.

Step 2: Meditate on Happy Christmas Past

This one is my favorite. There are so many great memories of holidays past. Take 2-5 minutes between now and New Year’s Day to sit quietly in your office, on the couch or in your car to think about your favorite holiday memories. Picture the smiles on faces, the hugs and the love. This is the reason for the season. It’s the season of joy. Reflect on it and act on those feelings.

We suggest starting every day with meditation. Sit quietly for the first few minutes of your day and kick it off with a smile and happy thoughts.

If you want a stress-free Christmas, exercise intention and meditation. Then create more holiday memories for next year.

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The Monday Money Minute is the Debt Free Guys™’ way of inspiring you on the toughest day of the week to stay true to your personal finance and life goals. Please let us know your thoughts, questions and comments. We would love to hear from you. And, who knows? Maybe you will be the inspiration for the next Monday Money Minute.