It’s the day after Christmas. This article is for those of you who gave and did so much over the holidays. I’m talking to the over-achieving Santa Clauses and elves.

I’m not a biblical scholar, so I don’t know what Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus did while staying in the stable. I would guess they kicked back and relaxed after the donkey trip, birthing a baby, and greeting shepherds and kings. Like you, they had to be exhausted. I’ll bet, no, I hope
they took time for themselves and each other. I would also guess their stress and worry relaxed.

Follow Mary, Joseph, and Jesus’ example. Don’t put away decorations, take down the tree, clean the refrigerator, or go shopping. You likely gave your all during the past days and weeks, and now it is time to regroup. Downtime is necessary for your mental wellness. You do have
limits.

I enjoy looking back on past Christmas’. As a child, I was excited for Santa to come in the night and leave presents. Five little girls pinned plastic stockings to a chair or the sofa and hurried to bed in anticipation. Never once did I think of the money spent and the endless to-do
list my parents checked off to create the magical moments.

When roles reversed, I was the one building traditions, entertaining, and making holidays special for my kids, parents, and grandparents. I remember the days after Christmas being glorious; eating leftovers, watching movies, and napping. Of course, I was thinking about getting
the house back to normal, but my rule was, after Jan. 1.

Retired, and kids busy with their own family and friends, I feel lazy. Sometimes, if I don’t get out and see the lights, I forget Christmas is in the air. I haven’t earned, nor do I need days of rest, but I’m guessing many of you need to heed my words and say, “I earned and deserve time off.” Maybe your family can bring you hot chocolate with breakfast, lunch, and dinner while you snuggle under a fuzzy blanket with your feet up. Even better, stretch it into several days.

I don’t think my mother ever took time for relaxation, but I hope she did. I do. Do you? Like Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, we all need to replenish our energy. The cycle of a new year is soon to begin.

Valentines day, here we come. Rest while you can.

Until the next time: Live while you live.

Powered by WPeMatico