Notes from the Parish Nurse

As we prepare our hearts and homes for the holidays, we are often overcome by the stresses of the season. I would like to share the following thoughts with you in the hope that as individuals and families we can truly prepare for the coming of the Christ Child and enjoy the holidays in good health. The holidays should revolve around the inner things. They should be seen as a time when we can relax our bodies, calm our minds, and refresh our souls. But society would have us focus almost exclusively on the outer things. And instead of encouraging us to do less, it begs us to do more. This year can be different. We can make a conscious decision to fill pre-Christmas days with thoughtfulness, leisure, and balance. Then our desire for a Christ-centered Christmas filled with warmth, harmony, and love will be realized. Here are some ideas on how you can make this your best holiday ever. 

BILL OF RIGHTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS 

• You have the right to take care of yourself: to eat right, exercise, and get enough rest. 

• You have the right to have mixed emotions: happy, sad, frustrated, guilty, afraid, thankful. 

• You have the right to have solitude: for planning, reflecting, relaxing, or praying. 

• You have the right not to accept some or all of your party/activity invitations. 

• You have the right to ask for support from friends, family, church, and/or community. 

• You have the right to give gifts that are within your holiday budget. 

• You have the right to say no to alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, and a second piece of pie. 

• You have the right not to ride with a drunk driver. 

• You have the right to take away the keys of a drunk friend or relative and to call a taxi. 

• You have the right to smile at harried salesclerks and angry drivers, and to give them a PEACE of your mind. 

In the end, these things matter most: How well did you love? How fully did you live? How deeply did you learn to let go and let Christ live through you? Blessings for a Joyous Christmas! Whether we write them out, or just think about them, most of us make resolutions because we can’t help but be inspired by the fresh beginnings of a new year. Making resolutions brings with it thoughts of past failures and guarded hopes for the future. 

HOW TO MAKE RESOLUTIONS “FAIL-PROOF” 

1. Keep goals realistic by setting ones that you can reach. Don’t set yourself up for failure!

2. Be specific about your goals. Say, “I will lose one pound per week until I reach my goal.” 

3. Develop a plan for how you will reach your goals. Write down strategies and resources. Remember that prayer is a powerful resource. 

4. Find a partner, as moral support can be a big help in reaching your goals. Don’t forget that Jesus makes an excellent support person. 

5. Keep track of your progress so you can see changes a day or a week at a time. 

6. Think of each day as a new beginning. Resolutions don’t need to be kept for 365 consecutive days, but for just one day at a time. 

7. Do your best and leave the rest to God. Enjoy the knowledge that all things are in the hands of our loving Lord. 

May the Lord bless all of our good intentions. And may you and your loved ones experience wholeness and joy in the New Year.