After Christmas Boxes

"Your attitude is like a box of crayons that color your world. Constantly color your picture gray, and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding some bright colors to the picture by including humor, and your picture begins to lighten up." - Allen Klein

Here it is, December 26th, the day after Christmas and also considered "Boxing Day" in the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, certain areas of Australia.

It is health-wise a dangerous time for people vulnerable to cardiac problems, including heart attacks, arrhythmia's, and heart failure. The medical emergencies are referred to as Merry Christmas coronaries. People tend to indulge a bit much and the body can react in a 'not so favorable' way. So be careful in your celebrating by being aware of your eating and drinking.

It is also the day after all of the 'good feelings' and 'good intentions' of gathering. When the reality of a house full of family and friends can cause just a bit of anxiety or grief. The niceness of each of us begins to wear a bit thin and tensions can rise a notch.

In an article by Beth McHugh from a couple of years back called, "Coping with Christmas & Family Gatherings", she offers a few tips in dealing with the stress a holiday can bring.

I have shortened the description and encourage you to read the full article. My comments are in italics.

1. Take a leaf from the magazines and be prepared.
Prepare yourself in advance of the holiday. Don't wait until the last moment to be left looking for ideas for gifts, activities or things fill the day.

2. Look after yourself physically in the lead up to Christmas.
Do not try to 'over do it'; meaning moderate the eating and drinking and find time to relax and actually enjoy the day.

3. Plan something pleasurable to do on the day after Christmas.
The good feeling from a holiday should linger and allowing yourself the pleasure of something good the following day will help with relaxation.

4. Try to bear in mind the real meaning of Christmas.
There are religious reasons for celebrating Christmas as well as non-religious ones. Find the ones that make it meaningful and a time to reflect.

5. If you habitually come away from a Christmas family get-together feeling bad, then look at ways that you can make a difference to someone outside your family this Christmas.
Visit friends or find a charitable organization to help with Christmas meals or celebrations. Helping others that need it is one of the greatest gifts you can give.

This day after Christmas will be filled with a lot of different people doing a lot of different things. Just remember to keep the colors of Christmas Day in your heart and mind the day after Christmas and for all of the days that follow.
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