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Health & Fitness

Holiday Survival Guide

Are You Ready for the Holidays?

Macy's has already begun airing Christmas commercials.  The Sears at the Moorestown Mall already has Christmas trees on display on the lower level.  Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas but, I don't think we need to begin so early - we've still got Thanksgiving to celebrate.

Unlike Christmas, Thanksgiving happens on the same day each year - the 4th Thursday of November.  This is a time to give thanks for all of the wonderful blessings we have in our lives.  We thank God for family, friends, our lives, etc.  While the holidays bring joy and excitement to many (especially to my 4 little ones) sadly, there are many who dread this time of the year.  Rather than looking forward to family gatherings, the are looking for ways to avoid the family.  For some, this time conjures up raw emotions and negative feelings.  

Anxiety over finances, family dysfunction, loneliness and sadness are on the rise during the holidays.  As a pastor, I have learned that the best way to deal with the Holidays is the prepare for them.  Yes, preparation can help you avoid much of the stress, anxiety, sadness and frustration you feel around this time of year.  

Here is my take on what I call, A Holiday Survival Guide:

1.  Set  Spending Limits .  This is the #1 cause of stress, anxiety and sadness.  People focus more on getting the perfect gift rather then enjoying relationships.  Here's the point:  giving should be from the heart, not from the wallet.  My mother told her grandkids, "the only one getting gifts this year are those under 5 years old".  She said this in order to set the expectations of everyone.  Way to go mom.

2.  Schedule your events.  The longer you have to travel or the more people you have to transport, the more preparation it takes to travel.  Today is November 1, just in time to take advance of  21- day ticket purchasing.  Book you travel now and try to leave or return on a Tuesday (I've gotten better prices when I travel on that day).  Families should decide which relative's house will be visited for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Rotating visits can save your sanity and your marriage.  Schedule  which parties  and events you will attend.

3.  Communicate.  My friends Gerard and Tonya Breland (http://on.fb.me/18KcBZ5)   have great videos on communication, check them out.  You've heard the expression, "the devil is in the details" is so true.  More arguments and fights have started because of lack of communication (I'm guilty, too!).  With proper levels of communication, changes in plans can be handled more effectively.

4.  Remember to Thank God for what you have.  We are on 1 year since Hurricane Sandy destroyed the Jersey Shore.  While many people who lost property only lost their second or vacation homes, many of the people lost their primary homes and businesses.  Based on that, we have a lot to be thankful for.  Thank God for your health, your family, your friends, your children, your spouse.  Be Thankful.  It's amazing how much you have to be thankful about.

On Sunday, November 10th, I'm going to the speaking on the topic:  Holiday Survival Guide.  I will be sharing these and other tips to help you make it through the holidays in one peace.

Jonathan M. Leath is the pastor of Destiny Church (www.destinynj.org) located in Willingboro, NJ.  He resides in Moorestown.
  
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