Find day's peace, joy by preparing for the 'top 10 Christmas crashers'

COLCHESTER, Vt. (Catholic Online) - While everyone celebrating Christmas is hoping for a day filled with peace, joy and love, there may be events that can "crash" the day, causing great frustrations.

Considering that there is so much to fit into the day, a variety of places to be, an increased number of tasks, overexcited children, the possible debt from Christmas purchases looming and, maybe, too little sleep, the day can easily take a turn for the worse if hit by one of the following viruses known as the "Top 10 Christmas Crashers." Since all of these are caused by unrealistic expectations and negative thinking, each of us can change thoughts and/or attitude to avoid disruptions and instead augment the day. Here are some suggested steps to take to avoid the day taking the wrong turn and crashing. 1. Expecting everyone to think the gifts you gave will win the "best present" contest by those receiving them? Suggestion: Leave the stress at the door before going shopping and enjoy giving and hope people like what you have given. They may or may not, but that is beyond your control. 2. Expecting there is snow just like pictured on Christmas cards or, in warmer climates, expecting sunshine, then complain if the day is not in perfect alignment? Suggestion: The weather is out of your control. Celebrate the day, bad weather and all. If there is a blizzard and travel is impossible, make the most of the day and truly enjoy those who are celebrating with you. 3. Wishing everyone you want to be gathered there with you for Christmas will be at the table that day? Suggestion: Accept that your adult children and other family members and/or friends may have other commitments or live far away, and make a special point of remembering them to others present. Don't forget, most times they are only a telephone call away that day. 4. Becoming disappointed in the gifts you receive or those that you did not? Suggestion: Remember that it is the spirit of giving that is the real gift and appreciate that the person took time to choose and give you a gift that they thought was right for their budget, their time shopping and for you. 5. Carrying the "I can't wait until Christmas is over syndrome," complaining about the work involved, wishing the day was over and passing it on to family and friends? Suggestion: Carry a positive attitude and savor each moment of the special food and chance to enjoy the day with most special people in your life. 6. Choosing to stay at relatives' or friends' house so late that it past the children's bedtime and they get overtired and cranky? Suggestion: Commit to a schedule that allows you and your family to spend time with others and is respectful of children. 7. Criticizing others through the guise of playful teasing, knowing or not knowing that it is hurtful to make fun of others even in jest? Suggestion: When the temptation to tease or criticize crosses in the mind, choose to say nothing or say something positive. The phrase "Restraint of pen and tongue" is a good reminder of what not to do. 8. Choosing to bring up political discussion that in the past lead to arguments? Suggestion: Choose to stay away from topics that may cause arguments. Somehow, fighting on the "day of our Lord's birth" seems inappropriately to stand against the call to peace. 9. Living the lyrics of a John Denver recording which go "Please Daddy don't get drunk this Christmas, I don't want to see my Mama cry?" Suggestion: Remembering that many people choose to binge drink on Christmas which really can ruin the day for the whole family and create a memory that won't go away, it is not written in stone that alcohol must be consumed that day. If you choose to drink, do so only in a minimum amount, especially if responsible for driving a car. 10. Forgetting the true meaning of Christmas? Suggestion: Be grateful for all the wondrous gifts given to us because of what Jesus, born that day, gave during life on earth. Put on the cloak of Christ that day, be kind and show love. The quality of the experience of the days depends on the personal choices of attitude and choices of actions. The lyric of the song "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me" could be the meditation of the day. - - - Mary Carty is the Home and Family editor for Catholic Online.