Avoiding the Christmas Creep

As the summer is winding down, we are seeing many retailers going into the back-to-school sales and slowly but surely the big sale surrounding a holiday that has been scandalized by secularism and lost its Catholic meaning. Eventually, the Christmas creep will be around the corner. I know because my mom likes to post the Christmas countdown weekly. I’m guilty as charged.

Every time it is closing in, we tend to stress out completely. I get it. As a lover of this holiday, I want to give everyone some advice now before you get blindsided by a linebacker on third down. There are four ways to avoid this holly jolly creep.

Practice Self-Awareness

Be aware of the present. Don’t let the holiday sneak up on you. It’s important to live in the now as St. John Paul the Great would remind us. Enjoy everything that happens between now and December.

Remember you decide, not the major retailers or that annoying digital crier telling everyone on a Facebook status or tweet the days until Christmas when you celebrate. For some, they tend to wait until Thanksgiving.

Create A Budget

With the inflation and recession taking place, it may be prudent and wise to think about how much you intend to spend. Bear in mind, Christmas is more than just presents, so it’s not worth the shop ‘til you drop mentality.

Set Boundaries

It can be stressful to think about what Christmas Day is going to look like. Every year can be different. I still recall the years as a kid when my family and I would have a house full of guests like grandparents, uncles, aunts, and sometimes cousins.

Boundaries can also be applied to your budget. Perhaps a relative invites you over and money is tight. Offer to bring a cake. Ask if they can join you in praying a family rosary or watching a Christmas classic. Have the kids run around the yard playing football. The best gift anyone can receive is a priceless memory that will last a lifetime and it doesn’t cost a dollar.

Avoid Social Media

Social Media can increase one’s stress. Stay away from it or limit your time on the digital platform. Use that time to pray for someone in need of prayers.

Remember the true meaning of the holidays and that is Jesus. Presents and presence are two different words, yet one has more value than the other.

By the way, four months until Christmas.