It’s that time of year again where people tell us how to avoid stress during Christmas. You’ll see versions of the same article on different websites, and everyone will get in on the act, especially people on TV who insist on being called “Doctor.” Yes, it’s time to distinguish themselves from their crass competitors by looking out for you, the frazzled customer.
Since the same advice will be repeated ad-nauseum, it’s essential to debunk the myths heading your way. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ones:
Count Your Blessings
This is the worst thing you can do. Why? Because you’ll do your counting and come up with five or six things. Then you’ll talk to your sister and find out that she has at least a dozen. As with money, blessing-numbers invite comparison, which leads to disappointment. Just remember that your “happier” sister doesn’t have a new PlayStation.
Say No!
Don’t do this. Not buying gifts for every single person in your immediate and extended families is a HUGE mistake. Just picture the next family reunion in Omaha. Someone will introduce you to Billy, your third-cousin twice removed. He’ll be holding a teddy bear your other sister sent when he looks up at you and says “Oh, right, you’re the one who never sends me a Christmas gift.” Saying “no” is how you become the aunt who doesn’t really care about The Family. Don’t go there.
Don’t Insist On Perfection
There’s a reason no one wrote a song called I’m Dreaming Of An Almost White Christmas. It’s all or nothing, and imperfection implies failure. If you don’t believe me, consider this fact – people get turned into Wiccans after they survey their Christmas arrangements and say “Okay, I think that’s good enough.”
Don’t Send Your Mother In-Law A Gift Certificate For A Face Lift
Okay, I actually agree with this one.
Skip The Family Card
Yeah, right. Do you really want your relatives asking themselves “Are Bob and Jen doing okay?” or “Do you think they might be heading toward a divorce?” Once you’ve gone down the card route there’s no turning back, unless you enjoy whisper campaigns.
In conclusion: you’re not dying on some cross here, you’re just spending one month all stressed out. So you can add that to your blessing-count. Christmas is supposed to be stressful, so suck it up. The big retailers are depending on you. And then be sure to have the best holiday your guilt-ridden brain can muster.