For A Joyous Christmas

December 2003

Dr. Elizabeth Skidmore is a graduate of the University of Missouri and earned her Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Wayne State University. She has been in private practice for 15 years, specializing in stress management, depression and anxiety disorders. A gifted speaker, Dr. Skidmore is Executive Director of Take It To Heart Workshops, and has hosted her own talk radio show in Providence, Rhode Island. She is a regular guest on Windsor's AM 800 radio program, "Ask the Experts", and is a sought out speaker for many women's organizations, schools and churches.

with Dr. Libby Skidmore

Most of us experience stress in our lives on a regular basis. When holiday times come, we aren't replacing regular stress with Christmas stress; we are adding Christmas stress to pre-existing stress. For some, stress builds to a fever pitch around the holidays.

Obviously, for Christians, Christmas is about celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the perfect gift for all mankind. How beautiful was that wondrous night - bright, starry sky above; shepherds in the fields quietly tending sheep; suddenly, the sound of angels joyous praising. In a manger, mother and child sleeping peacefully.

To keep peace in your Christmas, here are a few gentle reminders:

1. To the extent that we make Christmas about us, we will be disappointed.

2. Include someone lonely or less fortunate in your giving and in your celebrations.

3. Don't let Christmas add to your debt burden.

4. Set a budget for the season and stick to it.

5. It may help to withdraw the lump sum of cash you have to spend and when it's gone, it's gone.

6. Only use credit cards for purchases you know you can pay in full when your statement arrives.

7. Instead of buying for everyone, exchange names and buy for only one - agree on a price limit such as $25 or under.

8. Shift the focus from gifts and elaborate preparations to relationships - enjoy one another!

And may the peace of Christ rule in your hearts this Christmas.

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