1. Give yourself permission to remember past holidays and be sad if necessary. 2. Acknowledge that no family situation is perfect and that this Christmas won't be perfect either, so quit trying so hard! 3. Choose some decorations and activities that are important to you; save others for next year. (You can do it all, but you don't have to any more.) This year, I am going to skip decorating the beams, but put out my nativity collection. 4. Make a budget and announce it to family and friends loudly and clearly. "I can only buy for family this year." "Let's draw names, so we each buy one present" "Let's make gifts this year for each other this year!" 5. Take time to eat fruits and vegetables; get enough sleep and make sure you've had your flu shot. Wash your hands often, especially right after you meet someone with a cold or other illness. Try not to touch your nose---where the germs from your hands enter your body. 6. Oh well, you can bake that, do that, have that next year. Enjoy what you can today!
Stick to your budget
Jesus is the reason for the season!
7. Don't forget that Jesus is what makes Christmas, not all the hype. Attend the church of your choice this season and relax. Merry Christmas!