The official holiday season is here. Are you ready? Have you made your lists? Shopping and decorating done? Don't feel bad. Most people are not 'ready' for the holidays despite their best-laid plans. It is no surprise that this season is one where more people experience depression and anxiety. Our expectations are often impossible and we beat ourselves up when we did not successfully re-create a Norman Rockwell Christmas.



We all know that the true joy of the Christmas season cannot be found in a store (no matter what the ads say). Having just celebrated Thanksgiving, I hope that you were able to find time to focus on what you are really thankful for. I am sure that your lists include loving family, faithful friends, good health, and warm homes. Let's try to make this year different. Instead of worrying about going into more debt, not pleasing that picky teenager, or baking the perfect combination of cookies, think about giving something we all want: time.

Time is one of those precious commodities that no matter what we do, we can't get more of it. We all have the same number of hours and minutes to use each day. If the idea of gift-giving this year is causing you to feel added stress and frustration because the budget is tighter, this is for you. I suggest that this year we challenge ourselves to give the gift of time to our loved ones. Use your imagination and think about how you could gift someone with a bit of your time. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

1. Do you love to bake? Bake a few small coffee cakes for neighbors to enjoy Christmas morning.

2. Do you know a young family with toddlers? You could offer to babysit for an afternoon so the parents can get some shopping/chores done.

3. Is there an elderly neighbor/acquaintance who doesn't get out much? Take over a pot of tea or coffee and offer to help put up their decorations. While there, listen to their stories about Christmases when they were young.

4. Give a card with the promise to shovel a friend's walk three or four times (especially good to encourage your children to get involved in helping others).

5. Do you have a friend who has had an especially hard year? Invite her over for lunch and be the shoulder and ear she needs this year. Remind her that you will be there for her by making regular times to get together.

6. Do you have a special hobby or skill? Teach a young girl how to knit or crochet a simple item. Have a few children over to bake cookies in your kitchen to take home. Time can be a wonderful gift because it is so unexpected.

This gift can also be applied to yourself. Instead of spending time, energy and money to exchange gifts with close friends, try something new. Agree to have a special lunch together, and exchange gifts that you each have made. I have a couple of long-time friends and this is what we do. Our gifts may reflect a trip that we took, a new cookie recipe, or a new hobby (ie: knitting). The fact that we took the time is what is most important to us. And for yourself, take the time to rest and renew. A short nap can do wonders. Plan a few into your schedule during that week between Christmas and New Years Day. I guarantee you'll be surprised at how you will feel. After all, this season was not meant to be the most stressful time of the year. Remember what it really is about. If you're having trouble, sit down and watch "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and re-read Luke chapter 2.