At the risk of turning off those who don't like mainstream religions, I read around in an area of the spiritual meaning of the year. The commercial stuff is a lot to bear for the next while, and aren't the best things in life free? It's easier for me since I'm so isolated, too.
Planning helps since a lot of people will be alone.
My favourite book to read is "Advent of God" by J Metz, who describes anxiety as the result of avoiding Christian's overwhelming gift of the present. It's a very short book, but I've treasured it for 20 years. His antidote to anxiety is to "...become more responsive to the secret yearning of our heart, which we often lock up but can never squelch entirely.." so we can deal with challenges of the age.
I was out today,taking inventory of what gifts i want to get my grandchildren for Christmas....as i was thinking and doing, it occured to me about all the stress and rush of the hollidays ahead of us all...
But, i have some things set in motion,my husband and i have a setting appointment with a studio to have our portrait done for our grown children this year,as it has been many years since we have done that,and as for granchildren,we set a budget,and thats it,so i can do this in one afternoon...Thanksgiving,iam only having a simple dinner for us,no hassle..
To further cut stress,we plan to take in a few movies this year....
So...anyone want to share how to enjoy the hollidays without all the stress....