The Stress of Hosting Christmas
-Kendra Rodgers

The nationwide phenomenon that christmas time is the jolliest, most magical time of year with spreading truck loads of cheer. But all the hallmark movies in the world will never be able to cover up the truth… STRESS. The instant stress that starts right after everyone clears their plates of thanksgiving dinner. A lot of the stress falls on parents, getting the perfect tree, buying gifts for the entire family- making sure Christmas cards are sent out, the underbreath comments from family members. Never mind HOSTING CHRISTMAS?! Clean the decked halls top to bottom, and everything I mean EVERYTHING must be vacuumed. Unrealistic expectations parents and hosts set for themselves at the start of the holiday causes a great deal of stress that trickles down to the whole family. Budgeting and checking off every task on what seems like a never ending “to do” list can be strenuous around the hectic month of December.

It's very important to check in with loved ones this holiday season, even a trip to the store can be a weight lifted off someone's shoulders. I also urge everyone to donate time, candy goods, or even toys to a family in need while you wrap up your last minute food and gift shopping. A lot of people in the Mount community are fortunate enough to not have to worry about the financial aspect of feeding their family, and having gifts under the tree. The great deal of stress the holidays put on the head of the household is doubled when the household is less fortunate or food insecure. For those of us who are blessed with only having to worry about vacuuming and wrapping presents, the best gifts we can give ourselves and others is perspective and remembering the main message of the holiday season: togetherness, peace, and love. As mounties, we all have a little extra mercy, service, and compassion in our hearts to spread as well. So although we all have what seems to be a million things on our plates. Remember to take a deep breath, and enjoy the festive lights on all of the houses, the smell of fresh pine in your living room, and most importantly; your family. The best way of managing stress is doing something for yourself and parents, especially during the giving season. So if you are reading this as a kid with a stressed out mom or dad, give them a break for a day, do the dishes, and clean the kitchen without being told. Ask them if they need anything from the store. If you are a parent during this holiday season, pencil in even just an hour of time for yourself into your busy holiday calendar. Not to do work, or clean, but to relax, stay up a little later and watch an old christmas movie you love, bake or cook YOUR favorite recipe for dinner/dessert.