Why Christmas Is Like Work

December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas everybody.

Don’t you think Christmas is like work in many ways? You have deadlines to meet to prepare everything - just like you do at work. And the run up to Christmas can be hectic and stressful - just like work. In fact, I often find work much less stressful.

Usually, you can plan ahead for Christmas, just like you would do with work. The trouble is - unexpected interruptions will also interfere with your plans.

We often have visitors call in unexpectedly on Christmas Eve. And whilst it can be a nuisance when you have so much to do, you don’t want to upset friends and family at Christmas.

But, work is different. And you want to avoid having your plans interrupted as much as possible, or you’ll never get all the important things done.

Tomorrow I’ll share some tips for preventing interruptions at work. And until then - have a great Christmas.

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Comments

9 Responses to “Why Christmas Is Like Work”

Opal Tribble/Vegan Momma on December 25th, 2007 1:45 pm

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Yes, Christmas is like work. I’m actually working today however not as much as I normally do.
Catherine Lawson on December 25th, 2007 4:42 pm

Hi Opal - have a great day and try not to work too much.
Ian on December 26th, 2007 2:44 pm

It’s a different type of stress though and in many ways after the day itself, that’s when the proper wind-down kicks in.

Merry Xmas Cath.
Catherine Lawson on December 26th, 2007 4:00 pm

Merry Christmas Ian - you are right. Am winding down today - still have my pyjamas on now and it’s nearly 4pm!
Asako on December 26th, 2007 7:00 pm

Merry Christmas! (Although it is already 26th)

This year’s Christmas was easier because we decided no gifts. One thing that stressed me last several years was the tradition of giving gifts to each other with my husband family. When I grew up, my family had a rule of no gift. Nowadays, there are so many materials around us, it is almost impossible to find a good gift (while I write all these articles of potential Christmas gifts!!). And sometimes you get wrong things (e.g. wrong sized clothes), and it creates troubles to return and get the right one later. Finally, this year, I convinced everyone not to do gifts. That totally reduced the emotional stress.

Anyway, 2008 is in front of us. I hope to read a lot of articles from you in 2008!
DwayneLattimore.com on December 26th, 2007 9:23 pm

To be totally honest there are many times that I actually despise the Christmas “traditions” because it’s become more commercial than what it’s supposed to be about.

I kept hearing the same things over and over again..”I want this…” or “Gimme that!”…..WTF? But hey, it’s over now. Did anyone read about how in debt the country is on credit card liabilities? It’s horrible. People are actually out here destroying their credit for the sake of Holidays.

Dwayne
Catherine Lawson on December 27th, 2007 4:02 am

Hi Asako - Merry Christmas. I know how you feel. My husband’s family also do the gift thing and it is stressful, especially if you hate shopping as much as I do.

I stopped doing the card thing several years ago and now I only send cards to close family and a couple of friends.

My parents do the smart thing and go to Spain for Christmas. If they go next year, I think we might go along too.

By the way Asako - I seem to remember you have another blog as well as Before They Hatch, but I have lost the link. Could you post it here please? Thanks.

Hi Dwayne - Merry Christmas. I agree - it’s awful that people get themselves into debt for a load of junk that nobody will even remember in a couple of months. I don’t remember where I read the saying, but it went something like, “When you buy a lot of stuff, you wind up with stuff all.”

You have a finance blog. Maybe you could try to educate some of this people on how to get out of credit card debt.

Oh well, my favourite part is yet to come - I absolutely love the beginning of the year. It’s the most positive time.
Barbara on January 2nd, 2008 5:27 am

Hi Catherine,

Here it is, the new year, but I have to say, I love Christmas…I love the lights, the Christmas songs, the smell of Christmas cookies baking, the decorations on the trees, the look in children’s eyes as they admire lit trees or see Santa Claus…but most of all, I like remembering what Christmas is really all about…the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

Although shopping can be overwhelming for some, I shop all year long…finding what I think is the right thing for each person on my list. It’s not about the price, as much as it’s about getting them something that “fits” their interests or personality.

Since I love to wrap gifts, I’m “in seventh heaven” when I can wrap gifts in pretty paper, and find matching ribbons/bows.

Call me crazy. Even though Christmas adds more to my plate, I have learned to prioritize so I can truly enjoy the season.

With that being said, have a great and prosperous 2008
cathlawson on January 2nd, 2008 7:55 am

Barbara - I did find your post on the Christmas spirit inspiring. I’ve struggled to enjoy Christmas for 14 years no but it did help a lot. Nothing could inspire me to enjoy shopping though - aside from browsing Amazon or Ottakars.