Take a Deep Breath

Deb Peterson blogged recently about how to "Relax Through Your Finals". She reminded us that the holidays are stressful enough without throwing finals into the mix. How true! I blogged about this topic on Nov. 16 in "Chicken Little and Feeling Overwhelmed".

I think one of the best ways to NOT feel overwhelmed during this holiday/final time is to organize your priorities. Right now, your number one priority is getting through finals. When that is finished, you will feel as if a weight has been lifted from your shoulders. What are some other ways to relax through your finals?

1. Simplify. As nontrads, we have to realize that the minute we stepped onto that college campus or got onto that website for the first online class, our lives became incredibly more complicated. Do not place the unrealistic expectation on yourself that you will still be able to have the same elaborate holiday you had before you became a nontrad. It's okay to simplify and not do all that you have done in the past. You may find that a pared-down version of the crazy holiday season will fit better into your lifestyle.
2. Delegate. Is there something that absolutely MUST be done? Let someone else do it! Delegate that thing to your spouse, your children or pass the tradition on to a younger sibling. Take this time to create unique "family bonding" experiences. Was the Honeybaked Ham forgotten about and now you have run out and get the grocery store version? It's okay. Take the kids with you to help pick out the "best" ham.
3. Be creative. Don't have time to get those Hungarian Nut Horns made? Get some Pillsbury sugar cookie dough, cut out the crescent shapes, and sprinkle the dough with chopped nuts. Call it the abbreviated version of the Hungarian Nut Horn and name the cookie after your family - the Jones Nut Horn.

Christmas is not supposed to be a time of running ourselves ragged, especially if we have had an exceptionally challenging semester. Christmas is a time of remembering that a very simple Man came into our world in a very simple way. It's a time of remembering those we love and giving the gift of our time to them. This is supposed to be your semester break, a time of rest. Don't go back to school exhausted from the break. Stay tuned . . .

Chicken Little and Feeling Overwhelmed

It's that time of year again - holidays and finals. Parties and papers, festive ensembles and feeling exhausted, decorations and deadlines. Who planned this anyway?

Some days I feel like Chicken Little - my sky is falling - especially when the retailers so rudely remind us of that we only have so many shopping days until Christmas! Thank God for online shopping. That's one of my time-saving holiday secrets.

Other holiday/finals time savers?
1. Don't wait until the last minute - for shopping, shipping or studying.
2. Simplify. Is your family going to remember the elaborate holiday centerpiece you created or are they going to remember doing something fun as a family (such a board games and s'mores)? Have each member of your study group be responsible for one section of the study guide so one person doesn't do it all while everyone else copies from her.
3. Give your family the gift of your time. Barter with them - two dozen Christmas cookies for two uninterrupted hours at the library.
4. Celebrate simply. Finished with finals? Order out pizza and play a board game. Or nosh on fudge while wrapping gifts. Turn off all the lights in the house except for the Christmas tree, then sing Christmas carols acapella while snuggling on the couch with your children.
5. Do something for someone else. Put together a basket of stamped cards or magazines for a shut-in and taken it to them. Make a meal for a single Mom in your church or neighborhood. Offer to babysit for the young couple down the street so they can have a date night.
6. Learn to say "No". Family and school are priorities. You and I are not supermoms (or superdads). We don't have to do everything. Let someone else step up to the plate.

Above all, take time for yourself. Walk the dog in that brisk evening air. Curl up on the couch with a mug of flavored coffee and listen to Christmas carols or start knocking out your "To Read" pile of books that is sitting on your nightstand.

It's easy to feel overwhelmed when so many demands are being made on your time. Chicken Little must have been a nontrad. Remember your priorities. Don't sacrifice your school for your family and visa versa. Simple holidays are often the best. Stay tuned . . .