Every Christmas we go through the same routine and somehow it ends up being stressful. Next year we won’t buy so many presents, try to see every person we know and we definitely won’t overeat and have to start the new year feeling like we must lose weight after the bingeing! Given that our present and future are created from our thoughts, here’s a few quotes to consider that might just help you get you through the craziness.

10. If a problem can be solved, why worry? If the problem cannot be solved worrying will do you no good. Santideva

Somehow things in life always work out. Why not create a picture in your mind of what you would like this December, then focus on it with a light heart. Whether it looks exactly the way you picture doesn’t need to impinge on your enjoyment of it. For this December, know that nothing is really a problem and in the end it will all work out anyway.

9. Sometimes when people are under stress, they hate to think, and it’s the time when they need to most. William J Clinton

We get stuck believing that we must complete certain tasks before Christmas. When we are in ‘stress mode’ we react to what occurs around us. This Christmas as soon as you feel stress, STOP and notice what you are thinking…and then change it.

8. The holidays stress people out too much. I suggest you keep it simple and try to have as much fun as you can. Giada De Laurentils

Sometimes as we get caught up in all we HAVE to do, we forget to just have fun. Stop complicating it…this Christmas focus on fun and simplify in every area that you can.

7. Christmas is, of course, the time to be home – in heart as well as body. Garry Moore

Whilst we should always take actions from the heart, this becomes even more prevalent at Christmas time. Take time to stop and listen to your heart’s desires, instead of what you think you should do. Extend love to those around you and be fully present, instead of the regular rushing around.

6. The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another. William James

Sounds simple but it’s true and it’s the fastest way to create change. If you are feeling stressed your thinking needs to change. At any time we can choose to change the thought we’re thinking. Why not try to practice this and give yourself the gift of self-empowerment as you do so!

5. The truth is that stress doesn’t come from your boss, your kids, your spouse, traffic jams, health challenges, or other circumstances. It comes from your thoughts about these circumstances. Andrew Bernstein

Everything may not go perfectly this Christmas, but that’s OK. This is a part of life and being human. What is more important is the way you choose to think about the situations that occur. The truth is that most things won’t matter in the long run, in a year or even a month…so why let it ruin the enjoyment of your present moment?

4. Worry is nothing more than the misuse of your imagination Ed Foreman

Stress generally comes from thinking about what might happen (the future) or thinking about what has happened in the past (which you can’t change). Either way it takes you focus of the present moment. It’s much more fun to imagine everything working out the way you want it to.

3. It’s not how much we have, but how much we enjoy that makes happiness. Charles Sprugeon

Your happiness this Christmas is not dependant on whether everything runs perfectly or if you have what you want. When you choose to enjoy yourself, no matter what, happiness will flow. Let go of what you think you need, be grateful for what you have and choose happiness.

2. Christmas waves a magic want over the world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. Norman Vincent Peale

Take time to stop and witness the magic of Christmas. There are beautiful gestures occurring all around the world. Be inspired by what people do for each other, by the children’s excitement or by decorations that can change the dull to the sparkly. Stop and remember that world really is a beautiful place.

1. Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling. Edna Ferber

Stress is nothing more than a feeling we induce in ourselves because of the thoughts we have. If we can create stress, we can also create other emotions. What is the feeling you would like to feel this Christmas? It might be joy, love, peace, hope – whatever it is align your thoughts with this feeling. For the next 30 days commit to thinking and feeling the way you want to and watch what happens.
Christmas is a time for all of us to reflect on the year we’ve had and to celebrate life. Your wellbeing, your feelings and state of mind are of utmost important. This year overcome Christmas stress and choose to feel great. For the next 30 days give yourself a challenge – focus on feeling good and thinking wonderful thoughts. Do more things that make you smile, laugh and feel good!

Margit Cruice is an author, coach, motivational speaker and energy worker based in Noosa, Qld. Her latest book “They’re off to school, now what?: A mother’s guide to rediscovering herself” hits the Amazon shelves late September.
Running an international coaching business, managing a Rock music program for children and being a single mother to 3 children aged 13, 11 and 9, she is a high energy, passionate woman. She knows that every woman in the world deserves to love herself and understand how hard this can be. Through her coaching and healing she helps people break down their self imposed barriers and follow their heart.

You can learn more about Margit at www.howtoloveloveme.com or www.margitcruice.com.