Every Chrismas Australians are urged to spend big and "max out" the credit card on presents and holidays. Who benefits? - only banks and businesses. Hasty, unnecessary buying causes pain into the New Year and beyond.
With economic uncertainty a daily news topic, this is an ideal time to reflect on meaning rather than material cost: It is the THOUGHT that counts, and without that, it is all just “stuff”.
Here are some commonsense tips to make this religious/holiday period more relaxing and happier.
On presents:
-Allow yourself to give what you can afford, rather than incurring ongoing credit debt to make a passing impression on others. A personally made card, a jar of home made pickles, a cheap but attractive nic-nac that suits the person you are giving to means more than an expensive luxury.
-Consider inviting friends to donate to a charity or cause close to your heart – the Salvation Army or St. Vincent de Paul, Anti Cancer Council, Greenpeace, Lort Smith Animal Hospital, to name a few.
On Xmas dinner:
-Eat a little before you arrive so that you are not famished by the time dinner gets underway.
-Be yourself. Do not compete with people who act in uncharacteristically loud or boisterous manner.
-Avoid drinking to bolster confidence. Channel any nervousness to keep you focused on those you are with.
On dealing with difficult guests:
-Remember how important your immediate family is and what they think of you.
-Try not to take to heart things said by family members who are drinking.
-Remember we can choose your friends but not your relatives. So you will probably have to deal with all these people next year. In some cases, diplomacy for this part of one day will pay great dividends for the rest of the year till next Christmas.
On Xmas Drinks:
-If you normally drink less than others, you are more susceptible to alcohol’s effects. If they say something silly or regrettable, resist the temptation to duplicate their silliness. You will be pleased with yourself later; as will your host and those you came with.
-Ask yourself how significant a part a person plays in your life before you take offence and react unwisely.
-Drink water. It will not dilute the effects of alcohol but it will keep you hydrated and more comfortable.
-If you choose to drink, pace your intake. Coffee, exercise, showering, food will not remove alcohol from you system. Only time allows your liver to process alcohol at about one standard drink per hour.
-Remember midday and afternoon drinks tend to have more powerful effects.
-Please, if you drink, let someone else drive, let someone take your keys while your rest if they ask, or give a taxi driver a present - he is afterall not celebrating and would appreciate the fare.
MOST OF ALL have a wonderful celebration and enjoy renewing old acquaintances and sharing the year’s news and the new year’s hopes and plan.
John Hunter BSW (Distinction), MAASW (Accredited), MACA (Clinical)
Medicare Provider of Counselling Melbourne and Burwood East
Mobile 0405 107 476, Ph. (03) 9539 2200, Email: john@johnhunter.net.au
www.johnhunter.net.au
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