I know this is a tough time of year.  Family invading, you want to hide.  People asking too many questions, you want to ignore them.  You’re not feeling very thankful during this season of Thanksgiving.  I understand.

If you are going to visit family or friends, or having folks come to you, then it is a good idea to have a plan to handle stress.  Here are some suggestions, many of which worked wonders for me:

• Define “your” space and make it your refuge.  At home, if its your master bedroom, kindly ask that no one enter that room, keep the door the closed and know that if you need a moment – it is yours to retreat to.  Away from home, do your best to do the same.  If its a guest room, use that.  If necessary, stay in a hotel.  If its the back porch or a bench or taking a walk, do so.
• Take your favorite tea or hot chocolate with you.  I do!  I love it.  Its like bringing a piece of home with me, something that is comfortable and relaxing.  You can carry that idea through to other things – a pillow, blanket, etc.
• Bring a “quiet time bag.”  Include your Bible, devotional book, novel, journal, puzzle book, and pen.  Grab a few minutes here and there to relax your mind and spend time with Jesus. 
• You do not have to answer questions you do not feel comfortable answering.  Redirect the conversation in a lighthearted way – perhaps to a favorite meal or movie.  Getting the other person to talk about themselves is usually a sure winner!  If necessary, be very direct.
• Holiday gatherings are generally stressful events, even if subconsciously, for everyone.  Keeping that in mind with a spoonful of grace will hopefully help!
• If necessary, call it a year that you need to stay home and take care of you and your family and baby.  You, your health, and your family are much more important.
• If you are hosting a meal at your house, do not feel the need to play “super-chef” even if you did in past years.  Make it a year to do something different – order the entire meal out and relax.  We have done this often and its delicious, relaxing, and we have so much less clean-up and more time to spend with each other.  Less stress!  Check local restaurants, grocery stores, and even Boston Market for a meal.  (Boston Market was delicious!)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Self-care & Healing