As I write this article, there are only three weeks before Thanksgiving and seven before Christmas.  For most of us, we can feel our blood pressure skyrocketing as we think of what is ahead of us.

So I want to give you some encouragement.  First, take a deep breath (Dr. Oz recommends this and it’s proven scientifically that a deep breath held for six seconds and then released slowly for six seconds will immediately reduce one’s stress)!

Next, begin making plans now:  As to where you and your family will want to spend the holidays, whether you should have a home-cooked meal or go out and any travel plans you may need to make.  I strongly advise asking your family because many times, we put undo expectations on ourselves when in reality, your family might want something totally different than you were planning.

If you are having out-of-town company who will be staying in your home, begin preparing their rooms now so that you will have the time to get everything you need.  Survey the room as if seeing it for the first time and look at it as if you would be staying there.  Is there an alarm clock, plenty of fresh towels, room in the closet for their clothes and perhaps a luggage rack, magazines or books they may want to read and perhaps some bottled water, hand lotion, and shampoo?

Review your pantry, refrigerator and freezer and begin clearing out or reorganizing so that you will have the room for the extra food that will be bought.

Set down dates on your calendar and your to-do list for when you will grocery shop, cook, and the times you will start setting the table(s) and decorating.  I decorate for both holidays so I need to know when I will have the time to get this done.

I also encourage doing less than more.  If you are overwhelmed this year, remember that you don’t have to decorate the whole house nor is there a law saying you have to cook the whole holiday meal!  The main point I always stress when I am speaking on this subject is that memories are made when we are happy and feeling loved, not when the stress level in the home is too high. 

Let your life, at this time of year, overflow with thankfulness, gladness, joy and love for others. I promise you will really enjoy it all!

Manna from Heaven

 “Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.  Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing.  It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.  Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise.  Give thanks to Him; bless His name.  For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations.”  Psalms 100:1-5