Christmas Matters
|
Every year I vow to make Christmas easier, simpler - less stressful.
Have I ever? One year I tried forgetting Christmas here in the UK and spent it in the Canary Islands. It was quite extraordinary really. Christmas day was spent around the pool. The staff brought round 'Christmas' cake at various intervals (not the fruit stuff but madeira cake) and Santa Claus arrived on the beach by parachute. The hotel was full of people trying to get away from the stress of the season. All regretted leaving families but felt the need to just 'get away'. The guy in the next room spent every Christmas away from his wife and family. His wife, children and grandchildren loved to do the whole British Christmas experience - he just wanted time to chill out and spent a good deal of his time alone. He didn't feel this was extraordinary at all!
One thing that did strike me was the friendliness and service from the hotel staff. How much holiday did they get? - they all seemed to be working so hard. I asked the receptionist. He explained that they had no concept of a long Christmas holiday. In fact the only time they did not work was Christmas Eve when they were given 24 hours leave from that afternoon to attend Christmas Mass with family and then to eat a celebratory meal with family and friends. No presents were exchanged - this happened on the Feast of the Epiphany 6 January when traditionally the wise men had brought their gifts to Jesus - and even then the presents to each other were single and modest. On Christmas day all staff had returned to work by late afternoon - as did all workers throughout the island.
There was a lot to think about as we picked up our champagne at breakfast and then spent the day smothered in sun cream, snoozing in the sun.
I still love Christmas and the Christian celebrations which remind us of its true meaning. It's the shopping that gets me down. And to be quite honest I hadn't managed to avoid this - I just had to be more organised and distribute presents to friends and family well in advance of travelling to warmer climes. I suppose the problem is I like giving presents to people - although I spend a good deal of time worrying about their appropriateness. So - I don't have a formula for present giving but I do try to cut down on spending without appearing to be scrooge, I try to support charities with what I buy, I try to simplify the shopping process, I try to begin the process early. And all you can do is try!
Am I correct in thinking that Christmas shopping still falls largely to the female of the species? Is it just women who begin worrying in February about buying for the children or grandchildren. Is it the female mind that sees something in June which would be 'perfect' for Aunt Mathilda at Christmas? The internet offers wonderful opportunities to ease the pressure on shopping and having moved from a bustling city to a small island last year where choice is very limited this is a growing activity, not to say obsession in our household.
But is this the way Christmas has to be for us?
About The Author
Lois Reeve has been a personal and careers adviser for twenty years. She coaches individuals to achieve work related goals.
Lifelong interest in the female perspective on all issues. Looking to create a discussion forum on the web with a free ezine to introduce topics of interest to the fastest growing community on the web - females!
Website: www.femalematters.org
|
|
|
Children?s Birthday Party Locations And Ideas
While most children's birthday parties are held at home, you may want to consider an offsite location.For starters, you won't have to be concerned about the current state of order and tidiness of your house. Plus using the cultural and recreational resources of the community will broaden your child's horizons and introduce him or her to some wonderful experiences.Ask your child what she would like. Usually the party theme will reflect her interests, hobbies or sports.Here are some ideas to jumpstart your creativity.
Decorating For A Victorian Christmas
Berry Manor Inn owner, Cheryl Michaelsen wouldn't admit it, but with all the research she's done on Victorian tradition f...(related: Holidays)
Funny Couples Costume Ideas For Halloween
Tired of the same old typical Halloween costumes. You know the ones?.vampire, witch, or mummy. It also seems that everyone just "has" to wear the latest movie craze costume as well, like a Batman Begins costume. Maybe it's time to come up with a more unique and funny Halloween costume?just to be different.If you're somewhat crafty and handy with a sewing machine, many amusing costume ideas can be pretty simple to make. It just takes a bit of ingenuity and creativity. Even so, if you don't have the time or patience to create your own Halloween costume, maybe a friend of yours can help. As a last (or perhaps first?) resort, you can also buy most of these costumes online although it will just cost you a bit more.
Practical Ways To Keep Your Add Under Control During The Holiday Season
Do November's Thanksgiving experiences have you dreading the December holidays? The idea of gifts, family, and days off sounds great?but we all know that holidays are some of the most stressful times of the year. When an ADDer starts to become immersed in the shopping, cooking, traveling, and family interactions, their ADD can complicate matters. You...(related: Holidays)
Three Steps To Reduce Holiday Stress For Your Kitty
The annual holidays can be a very stressful time for your cat. This is the time of the year when that str...(related: Holidays)
You Better Not Lie, I?m Telling You Why
Santa Claus Is ComingHoliday season brings the perennial return of Santa Claus. According to traditional lore, St. Nick flies around the world on his reindeer-powered sleigh. He lavishes gifts upon the good children of the world, and as for the naughty youngsters?well, they can expect lumps of fossil fuel in their stockings. This jovial, rotund old fellow provides a magical experience that enriches the lives of children. Right?Well, not necessarily.Parents often recount their childhood stories as cherished memories and want to recreate the sa...(related: Holidays)
Find Great Halloween Costume Ideas! Have The Most Creative Costumes This Year
Usually, the hardest part about Halloween is finding the perfect costume and top accessories for your ghoulish creation. Well, now it doesn't have to be! With the countless, great resources available on the web, finding Halloween costume ideas for the adults, kids and the rest of the family will be the easy part! Now, you'll just have to figure out what everyone wants to dress up as!So where do you begin? Let us help you! Take the time to browse through our site for some great tips on creating the your favorite costumes. Think outside the box,...(related: Holidays)
How Santa Makes Out His Christmas List
How Does Santa Make Out His List?I'll let you in on a secret: I know Santa Claus. And I received a letter from him with his Christmas list."Dear Kristin,"Thank you for the homemade cookies last year. For some reason, people seem to forget that I'm not planning to lose weight, thank you very much. I don't have a peanut allergy and I'm not lactose intolerant. Up here at the No...(related: Holidays)
Lost And Found (a Valentines Day Story)
I casually glanced down at my hand, but instead of a wedding ring and an engagement ring, there was only the narrow gold band."Randy!" I yelped. "My engagement ring is gone."It...(related: Holidays)
site-map - Copyright © 2006 | Contact Webmaster | All Rights Reserved. | Holidays