What are some strategies for facing Christmas if you don't really want to?

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   KatyWhoWaitedposted 12 years ago

   What are some strategies for facing Christmas if you don't really want to?
   
   I know to reach out to others, to think of how to make others happy is paramount, but sometimes you have to get out of your dread to do that.  Are there simple strategies, like burning pine scented candles, or... (I'm sorry) that's the measley example I can come up with.  I know the source of my dread - disappointment in life, no money for presents, but those are too huge to solve in two days!  Help!  something simple.

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2. 0

   JThomp42posted 12 years ago

   Don't worry about material things Katy. Just enjoy your family and the time you have together and make some precious memories. So many things can be taken from us in this life, memories are yours to forever keep. Merry Christmas Katy!!

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      KatyWhoWaitedposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      THANK YOU J!  I've planned - a "play-a-thon of darts, ping pong, and drop Santa in the milk bottle for our ADULT kids. We're going to break a cookie, wish on half, 'n throw the other half to the birds. We going to cut r 1st CA grown Christmas lemon!

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      JThomp42posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      That sounds great Katy. Thank you and Merry Christmas!!

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3. 78

   joanwzposted 12 years ago

   Don't be afraid to say "no" to some things, especially if they seem to loud, too overwhelming, too intense. too over the top.
   
   Eat healthy (avoid some of the fattening high cal foods) and go after the green salad and fruit.
   
   Get rest when you can. A five  minute nap here or there can do wonders.
   
   Drink a cup of hot tea - green tea (ino caffeine, or low caffeine) or chamomille.
   
   If you feel overwhelmed: go outside for a few minutes or go find a separte room where you can have a few minutes to yourself - the bathroom is always good - and do a silent "primal Scream" (that's where you go through the motions of screaming like crazy and throwing a tantrum, but without the sound - and without the audience).

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      KatyWhoWaitedposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Joanwz, I never tried the "primal scream" before, but I'm going to now!  I'll wait til I'm in "primal scream" mode. I just posted a pic. on FB of an old ornament a friend gave me yrs ago;  I think she'll love that, so I'm happy right now THANK U!

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4. 61

   jodeciposted 12 years ago

   Whenever I am anxious and I get anxious alot I do deep breathing/meditation exercises to help me begin to cope with events and this can be done no matter what the stressor whether it's a party or social event, or daily life problems.
   
   You would want to make sure when you are meditating or deep breathing, you want to be in a quiet, relaxing and comfortable place. You can do this in a slightly lighted room or a dark room whatever is relaxing and comfortable to you. You can also use relaxing/comfortable music if you wish, but remember to make the scene as relaxing to you.
   
   Once your area is relaxing rather you decide to sit in a chair, sofa, or pillows, you just want to make sure your body and environment encourages a relaxed-comfortable environment. When you are in position make sure you're positioned comfortably, with music or without music, darkness or little light, quiet your mind, make sure you have no thoughts, don't think about the event or any stressor such as financial problems, work, etc. Your mind should be completely blank.
   
   Once you mind is completely blank, close your eyes, then start to deep breath slowly, once you are deep breathing slowly begin to imagine yourself in a pleasant environment rather you are relaxing in a spa, beach as long as you are imagining yourself in a relaxing environment. Just let your imagination go, deep breathing, see where you find yourself like if you are on a beach see if you find yourself walking toward the ocean. You can continue to do this for 15-20minutes.
   
   You can release this picture, continue to deep breathe, and slowly open your eyes while still deep breathing. Sit for a while then light stretching and begin to prepare for your event. Try to focus on positive thoughts, don't think negatively this will allow anxiety to enter again.  I hope this helps. Good luck.
   
   Deep breathe and think positive thoughts.

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      KatyWhoWaitedposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Jodeci, THANK YOU!  This will make a GREAT hub! I used to be able to do self-hypnosis, but kind of lost it, but I'll try meditation (which is a form) again. R u sure if I "shut off my mind" at this age, I'll be able to turn it back on again?

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      jodeciposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Meditation would make a great hub, you will be able to turn your mind back on. I'm sure of it. )   Enjoy the holidays as best as you can.

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5. 71

   lburmasterposted 12 years ago

   Try to make it as painless as possible. If you have no money for presents, create presents. For example, I do calligraphy as a hobby. So I sometimes cut back on costs by writing their last name in a certain style that seems to match their personality. If you have disappointment in life, focus on what is causing the disappointment. Analyze the situation and try to come up with an easy way to fix it. Even if your way of fixing it is ignoring it, that is still a short term answer to help you get through the holidays.

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      KatyWhoWaitedposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      LB, THANK YOU!  See my response to JThomp42 - love the idea of last names matching personality!!! Also, "fixing it" came to my mind when I couldn't sleep."Ignoring it" or distracting oneself from it IS a good short answer just to get thru the holiday

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6. 84

   KatyWhoWaitedposted 12 years ago

   There is something very powerful in having lovely people answer a sincere question on the internet,  especially those in the writing community of hubpages.  Every answer leads us to a solution, and I'd like to express my warmest thanks to those who answered this question.  I'm out of my dread, seeing that we're close to Christmas actually being almost over ! and now I'm ready for some fun.  Thank you all for your endurance of this somewhat, or maybe totally, selfish question.  Let the party begin and may YOUR parties be WONDERFUL!

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7. 68

   Violet Flameposted 12 years ago

   Create a special ritual which does not involve spending money. Arrange little vases of wild flowers and write poetry on heart shape paper and put them where-ever you want. If family and friends are around, put everyone's name in the hat and then draw a name out, for the person whose name you drew, you can write a list of the best things about him/her that you love or do something special for him/her in secret that day. Christmas is not about spending a lot of money, but about showing love. If you were alone, you could make it your special project to love YOU and make every effort to show You how special You Are. Merry Christmas xoxox

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   Marcus99posted 12 years ago

   Sleep through the Holidays; works for me.

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