Single sisters get ready to enjoy a wonderful Christmas instead of a ChristMESS. For so many the holidays can mean depression, debt and drama! But it doesn't have to be so! Listen up sisters. Being single doesn't mean you have to be left out of the holiday cheer and joy. Take the stress and mess out of your Christmas. You will find yourself in the valley of depression wishing for a Hallmark Card Christmas and listening to those sad, romantic, kiss me under the mistle toe songs. This season is about celebrating the birth of Jesus. So let the fruits of spirit be alive in you (joy, peace, harmony, gratitude and love). Try some of these holiday activities and tips.
1. You' re creating stress if you're trying to impress. Don't allow the pressure of society, media hype and holidays to put you in debt.
2. Come on sisters, respond to the holiday invitations. Get out of the house of blues. Try not to soothe your broken heart by over indulging in food, alcohol, shopping or sleeping. Don't ask for trouble by calling up that ol' boyfriend out of your desperation and loneliness. In surveying many single women, I heard a lot of self-esteem, giving and entertaining. For the most part, many single women expressed their acceptance of the single life and
coped with their emotions by acts of kindness to others. So many of them slowed their pace during the holiday season for quiet time to reflect, rest and remember they are still whole woman whether they spend the holidays in a relationship or not.
3. Don't allow excuses (i.e., family grudges, my house needs painting, I need new furniture, I don't have enough chairs) to keep you from enjoying family and friends. Being around laughter and good food is healing. If your money is a low, don't be embarrassed to ask everyone to bring a dish (sweet potato pie, peach cobbler, greens, macaroni and cheese or the beverages). Even if everyone has to bring a chair because you have only one couch, so what! Ask them to bring a chair and a card table.
4. Attention single parents, don't allow your children to pressure you into spending and shopping until you drop. Stay within your budget. Your children's begging, harassment or tantrums can stress you out. Don't put yourself into financial bondage or they will buy you a first class ticket on a guilt trip.
5. Celebrating Kwanzaa does not replace your traditional religious celebration. It is 7 days to reflect and reinforce positive values for your family, community and spiritual enrichment as you come to the end of a year and contemplate the new year. Attend a Kwanzaa program in your community or create a simple yet memorable ceremony with your loved ones and friends in your home or place of worship.
6. The spirit and fun of giving is always a favorite Christmas activity (i.e., gifts and meals for women and children in transitional housing).
7. Maybe you've been superwoman all year. The holidays are a perfect time to slow your pace, enjoy some quiet time. You're free of all the mad frenzy of preparing a big family meal, entertaining the in-laws and cleaning up afterwards. You can sit back, put in your favorite movie or CD, light a candle, and smile because you are FREE to sleep in late. Many stress free singles enjoy poetry readings, plays, traveling and concerts.
If you're a "people person" and enjoy entertaining maybe these experiences will give you some ideas.
"I had Christmas brunch at my home one year. I made my home festive and pretty, wore a fabulous hostess caftan, set out my best stemware, wine, sparkling ciders and made up a menu of delicious appetizers and finger foods. I baked cookies (nephews and nieces are good at helping in this---and it gives their moms and dads time to purchase and wrap presents while they are at your house!) and invited everyone to drop in all day."
"I organize and hold a Christmas Tree decorating party in my home, for ladies only...each guest brought a special ornament for the tree and a dish to be enjoyed by all"
"We enjoy the Twelve Days of Christmas Dessert Event, every day someone has to bring in a different dessert or recipe."
"I invite all my friends to bring their own sewing machines, potluck, and projects to my home for a day of quilting, laughing, fun, food and sisterhood."
"I host a Christmas brunch for all my single friends, they come in their Christmas pajamas with a dish, we sing Christmas songs and exchange gifts."
You can be traditional or radical. You can be a social butterfly or enjoy your solitude. Create your own tradition. Create your own fun.
by Jewel Diamond Taylor, Speaker and Author
http://members.aol.com/jeweldiam/home.htm