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The most wonderful time of the year,
The most wonderful time of the year,

or is it ?
or is it ?

by Michelle Avola-Brown, Executive Director, Naples Pathways Coalition

love the month of December! A way to combat feeling alone is to reach out, even if that might
With so many joyous festivities, seem uncomfortable. Try volunteering. There are many walking and
I twinkling lights and decorative touches running events this time of year, and we always need more help
everywhere, the delight of celebrating Jesus’ at ours. Many churches and local groups organize heart-warming
birthday and the gift He truly is, lighting the ways to serve the community and could use extra hands. Ask a
menorah candles to honor and remember co-worker or neighbor if they want to go shopping, grab lunch or
God’s miracle of keeping the oil burning for a drink, or take a walk with you. And if the first person you ask is
eight days, sharing sweet treats we have an excuse to indulge over-committed, ask someone else. Many people would jump at
in, watching loved ones open gifts we carefully chose and such an invitation. It could be the cure for both of you.
wrapped, time off from work to enjoy with the people we love, Another way to reduce stress is to plan ahead. Look at your
looking back on the year with gratitude for the growth and upcoming week or month and prioritize the things you need to do,
opportunities it brought, while looking forward expectantly to those you want to do, those you’re obligated to do, and what can
the new year, not to mention the absolutely perfect weather in be set aside. Make time to do something you really enjoy, whether
Southwest Florida. It’s hard to pick my favorite! it’s just for you, with a good friend, significant other, or your
But yes, unfortunately, increased stress is often part of the family. Allowing yourself to be a priority will help you feel more in
holiday season, too. Our schedules become more hectic, family control. Compare your budget with upcoming expenses and adjust
gatherings can be awkward, or maybe we miss friends and as needed. Memorable holidays don’t require expensive gifts or
family we can’t be with. Most stores and post office branches tripling your grocery bills.
are packed, and our already stretched budgets are squeezed Another suggestion is to set realistic expectations. Everything
even further. Indulging at holiday parties can make getting up won’t be perfect, but with gratitude and a positive perspective, it
for our morning workout harder, even as the extra carbs and can come close enough. If it all gets overwhelming, permit yourself
calories and need for endorphins give us greater reason not to to take a break. Go for a walk, lie down for 20 minutes, turn on
skip it. music that soothes your soul, snuggle with a furry friend, pull
To help us keep our focus on the joy of the season, up a favorite comedy skit on your phone and laugh, read a book,
practicing moderation is difficult but essential. Deciding to pray, meditate, or write a list of at least ten things you’re grateful
maintain healthy habits like getting enough sleep, exercising for. And remember to take time to be still, be present, take a deep
regularly, and eating well while we sprinkle in the fun will help breath, and look for the beauty around you.
us enjoy the splurges even more but not feel terrible afterward. I would be remiss if I didn’t include a few safety reminders.
If we can’t make it to every holiday party or function and still Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s
maintain our sanity, choosing a few and politely declining Day often have the highest rate of vehicle crashes and fatalities
others is completely acceptable. If the pressure to spend a week caused by distracted or impaired driving. Many people will be out
with family makes you anxious, perhaps a shorter visit that walking and biking, taking in the holiday decorations, enjoying
includes time for self-care is a better option. recently received gifts, or burning off some holiday calories. Please
Loneliness is another reality that many of us feel this time put your phone and other distractions away when you’re driving,
of year. Despite all the activity around us, we can feel more and never get behind the wheel after you’ve been drinking.
disconnected than ever. The holidays can sometimes shine a Have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season,
and I wish you many blessings in the New Year.
light on relationships we don’t have or those that are strained.
Life in Naples | December 2023 19