How to Cope With Holiday Tension: 6 Tips to Defeat Stress and Keep Your Peace

Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. ~Oren Arnold

Have you noticed that the holidays seem to bring out the best... and worst... in people? It seems every friend, relative and client has a 'Scrooge' story to share.

Spouses who don't want the house decorated or events planned.Seniors who insist the family dinner has to be their way at their house on their schedule.Kids who expect more than their parents can provide.Grief, loneliness, depression and anger that seem to magnify during the holidays.More social events than one person could ever attend... or reciprocate.Financial pressures and excessive expectations that add more stress.Unrealistic desires for the perfect gift (given or received), perfect party, perfect holiday.

Your mind and emotions tilt into overload and the best solution seems to be - hide till it's over!

If you are one of us, it may seem like everyone wants more than you can possibly deliver, expects more than you can possibly do, and hopes you will be their source of peace, joy and fulfillment. It really is just too much...

So, how do you cope with other people's tantrums, attitudes and expectations?

Don't take it to heart. Your heart, your spirit, is the very center of your being. Protect it by giving people the benefit of mercy. There's truth in the saying, 'hurting people hurt people'. Don't absorb their pain or internalize their expectations. Tell yourself, I will not allow another person to steal my peace.

Do stay in love. No matter what you're dealing with, remember the Biblical promise, Love never fails (I Cor. 13:8). Responding with harsh words or reacting in anger will only escalate the situation. Use the God-kind of love -; always hopeful, not jealous, boastful, proud rude, or irritable (v.4-7) to keep yourself centered. Remind yourself, I am rooted and grounded in love.

Don't try to fix it. You cannot change another person's emotional turmoil no matter how much you might want to. But you can create some emotional distance for yourself. Walk away. Focus on a different activity. Adopt a 'not my responsibility' attitude.

Do remember to pray. Nothing is more powerful. Claim God's promise of peace 'My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you... Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed...]' (John 14:27) Pray for peace and harmony for those who irritate and disturb you the most.

Don't retaliate. Acting out in your own hurt and anger will only make things worse. Practice forgiveness, patience and a great deal of self control. Let go of some of your own expectations where other people are concerned. Ask yourself, "Is being right, or being heard, more important than peace?"

Do be kind to yourself. Get enough sleep. Take breaks throughout the day. Listen to favorite music. Laugh out loud. Dance. Sing. Buy yourself a present! Proverbs 17 reminds us that 'a merry heart is good medicine' (v. 22). That's true for spiritual and emotional health as well as physical well-being. A merry heart can also be contagious; so be a carrier of joy and good will.

No matter what pressures you face this season, remember the real reason we celebrate. Remind yourself that, like Abraham, you have more blessings than the lights on your tree (or the stars in the sky). Rejoice in and be grateful for the true Spirit of Christmas.

For more information on developing life skills, better relationships, and becoming the best YOU possible, visit http://www.seebecksolutions.com/ and sign up to receive your FREE subscription to "What Matters Most", a weekly ezine of inspiration, motivation and humor from a Christian perspective.

Ruth Seebeck has built a reputation over the last three decades as a life-skills coach, mentor, Christian counselor and friend. She is a business owner, author, community volunteer and event coordinator whose passion is helping others overcome life's challenges.

Original article