Santa may get the credit, but guess who’s handling most of the work and worry during the Christmas season? The children’s stories all tell of Santa’s workshop full of happy, toy building elves. But back to real life, the true superstars at Christmas are not elves, but women. Wives, mothers, daughters. Tireless workers who selflessly keep going hour after hour. They shoulder most of the holiday load. An enormous undertaking that is stacked on top of the normal everyday strain,kids,housework,jobs, caregiving.
While the holidays always bring an intensified focus on family demands and money, this added stress is felt more by women. Recently, an American Psychological Association (APA) survey found that women are more likely than men to report heightened stress levels during the holiday season. They’re also less likely to take time to relax or manage that stress in healthy ways. I guess you could say there simply aren’t enough hours in her day to get it all done.
Hey, rest of the family,Let’s give her a hand (and I’m not talking about applause). Maybe shopping, or wrapping gifts isn’t your thing (mine either), but you could help around the house. Make a bed. Wash the dishes. Walk the dog. Look for things to do that will say to her, “You are appreciated and valued…” the Apostle Paul reminds all of us to give honor to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7 NASV). That starts with the Christ of Christmas. Celebrate God’s unspeakable gift. And let’s also remember that the women in our lives certainly deserve honor. Give her room and space to do what she does best!
Who knows,it might just help turn this Christmas around.
Source:AACC,APA
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