Two days until Christmas and I’m stressing out. My stresses are different from the typical stresses, but they build up just the same. What are some solutions?

Come away, give yourself the rest/break you need. Find a quiet place and read the Christmas story in the Bible (Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2), or read from the Psalms. (One of my favorites is Psalm 139.) You must feed your own spirit before you can nourish others.

Back away from your circumstances and analyze what is still on your “Do List.” Perhaps you are taking on more than you were ever meant to carry. Consider your priorities and the relationships that mean the most to you. Are you depriving your family to meet expectations others have placed on you? (or …that you have placed on yourself for misplaced reasons?) Are your activities bringing glory to the Christ Child or to Santa Claus? Is this consistent with the faith you profess?

How are you managing your finances in regard to buying gifts? Do you feel you have to do better than ______________? (Fill in the blank with a name or with a year you feel you must top.) Be realistic with your budget. If you can’t afford nice gifts for your family, don’t let social obligations cause you to blow money on frivolous gifts for people you wouldn’t otherwise buy gifts for, or worse – gag gifts. Do consider the needs of those less fortunate than you, however. It is one thing to spend money for casual friends who have plenty, and quite another to give to the truly needy. Perhaps a tithe of what you give for Christmas gifts would be reasonable for giving for the less fortunate. For example, the family that spends $1,000 for gifts to friends and family could consider giving $100 to those less fortunate than themselves.

It is only right that we set our own priorities based on what we feel is right in our own hearts.