what do you do for yourself to destress during xmas

**jinx** · 11-27-2006, 02:05 PM

I was thinking about this when I was stuck in traffic this morning for 15 minutes in the parking lot of the supermarket.
Here is what I like to do

I visit Madonna Shrine. It sits high up on a hill overlooking Boston. At christmas time the whole plaza is decorated with lights. theres a hugh manger in the center, and religious christmas music plays softly. Inside the church is also decorated and lit with candlelight and there is another nativity, actually most of the city of Bethlehem is carved out of olive wood. It is a peaceful place, and brings me back to why we celebrate the season.
Get out the dvd of Charlie Brown christmas, make myself a hot choc. and watch it after everyone else has gone to be.
Go for a walk in my neighborhood and look at all the lights.
Read A Christmas Carol.

**MarshHen** · 11-27-2006, 02:31 PM

Good thread since alot of us may need some destressing ideas really soon.

I listen to my Andy Williams Christmas CD.
Take a walk
Watch a Christmas movie. "It's a Wonderful Life" and "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" are my favorites.
Light candles, light a fire and light up the Christmas tree
Bake and package goodies and then deliver them to friends
Roast marshmellows in the fireplace

**TheRootedNomad** · 11-27-2006, 02:42 PM

I like to wrap and bake so as long as everything else is done I turn on christmas carols (Preferably by Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, or Dean Martin) and wrap or bake with them....or once everyone's in bed I sit in my living room with all the lights out but the tree lights and a cup of something warm....(I usually can't stay up longer than DH so I generally have to ask for quiet as he's always got something pretty loud on)

**pkellyc** · 11-27-2006, 05:09 PM

I watch the Christmas specials on Lifetime. I get teased by my DH with no mercy for this. Simple yes they are but I still like them.

**dmvezina** · 11-27-2006, 08:24 PM

I like to make myself a cup of tea, grab a good book and/or watch a movie.

Sometimes, baking can destress me unless I'm doing it for something in particular. But, if I'm doing it just for my family to munch on, then it's relaxing to me.

**Missy** · 11-27-2006, 08:30 PM

Booze, lots and lots of booze. Not really (i don't drink, so it's just me bein silly)

i like to sit in a quiet room with a nice smelling candle going or something like that,

a hot bath with a good book is nice too and it relaxes tense muscles too

call my mom

**MarshHen** · 11-28-2006, 12:50 PM

Me again.......Just knowing everything is bought, wrapped and under the tree is the best stress reliever I know!!!!

**lottaLove** · 11-28-2006, 02:22 PM

I like to take DS for a walk around the neighbourhood to look at all of the pretty lights.
We go sledding, then go home and have some hot chocolate with marshmallows.
Bake cookies or breads.
Take a nice, long, hot bath.

**Buckeye5** · 11-28-2006, 02:48 PM

I like to get the family together and watch college basketball on Tv and do pot luck. Also, we like to watch movies.

**brenda67** · 11-28-2006, 04:55 PM

I would say what MarshHen saids "Just knowing everything is bought, wrapped and under the tree is the best stress reliever I know" I can't tell you how many years I have put myself through this...Not this year...

**Darlene** · 11-28-2006, 05:16 PM

I second the tea, book & blanket on the couch... nice fire in the fireplace too.

I also try to remind myself that I don't have to buy the perfect present, or be everything to everyone. Somehow everything will fall into place and be just lovely.