December 2024
De-Stressing the Holidays
By Susan Marinac, LISW
smarinac@buschfuneral.com
For many people the holiday season can mean stress and frustration instead of peace and joy. Familybissues, time constraints, finances, and a sense that everything must be “perfect” can lead to feelings ofbvdepression and a sense of feeling overwhelmed. In today’s society we are so inundated with visual images of the perfect family, the perfect home, the perfect holiday gathering, that it can be difficult to set realistic expectations for ourselves. The holiday “season” begins earlier and earlier every year. Stores are creating their holiday displays well before Halloween. The season grows longer and longer every year, and our patience grows shorter.
The good news is we can simplify the holidays, reduce our stress, and create more quality time with family and friends. First, we need to set realistic expectations and not compare ourselves to others. Whatever way you choose to celebrate is right for you. Sometimes we think that we must have things a certain way because that is how we’ve “always done it.” Really, it is okay to change and to eliminate some things, especially if they are causing stress. For example, there’s no need to spend so much money during the holidays. The things that we desire the most: love, friendship, companionship, cannot be bought. Try a gift “lottery” or a white-elephant gift exchange instead of buying gifts for every member of your family this year. Or decide as a family that you are all going to donate to a charity in lieu of giving gifts. Then have a family meeting where you talk about the charity and your reasons for giving.
It is unfortunate but true that the times we are stressed tend to be the times that we don’t do what we know will help us. Even if we know what we should be doing, it doesn’t help unless we actually do it. Following are some strategies that can help us cope.
1. Accept your feelings. Feelings are neither right nor wrong. They are just feelings. We need to laugh and to cry. It is normal to express your feelings and you do not have to be in a good mood just because it is the holiday season.
2. Reach out to others. If you are feeling down or lonely, call a friend and go out for a cup of coffee. You may want to get involved with your church, sign up for a class or volunteer. Even if you do not have many family members, you do not have to go through the holidays alone.
3. Get organized. Develop your holiday plan ahead of time when you are not so busy. Set aside time for all of your activities and schedule them on your calendar. Schedule all of the preparation time you need as well. This will help to avoid last minute scrambles.
4. Know thyself. Learn to say no if you need to. We all have limits. People really do understand when you cannot commit to everything. Don’t take on more than you can handle or you may become angry and resentful.
5. Take time to breathe. Spending even ten minutes alone just relaxing and focusing on your breathing can be a huge stress reducer. You can also listen to soothing music to enhance relaxation.
6. Move it. Schedule time for exercise. Walking is great exercise and the perfect activity to start an exercise program. Gentle stretching before going to sleep at night will promote relaxation and help you to get a better night’s sleep. You will wake up feeling refreshed and more focused.
7. Delegate. You do not have to do everything yourself. Enlist other family members to take on tasks.
8. Zzzzzzzzzz. Healthy sleep habits are essential. Try to get eight hours of sleep per night and do not consume any caffeine after three p.m.
9. Healthy eating. We are so tempted throughout this season to consume more than we are used to. Watch the sweets. Try drinking a large glass of water before the next holiday party so you will feel full and not want to pick.
10. Seek professional help if needed. If you find you have a permeating sadness that you cannot shake or if you are plagued by feelings of depression, anxiety, or despair, you may need the advice of a professional. Talk to your doctor and he or she can assist you.
Above all, go easy on yourself. It’s okay to make mistakes. Try and incorporate one positive idea into each day and then reflect on the day before you go to bed to see how you could improve or pat yourself on the back for a job well done. If you take the time to remember what is most important and seek support if you need it, you can truly have a happy holiday.
DECEMBER VOLUNTEERS
ACOLYTES SUPPLY
Dec 1 Madi Muhlenbruch Dec 01 – Casey Simmons
Dec 8 Jaxon Verba Dec 08 – Pastor Caroline Engelbrecht
Dec 15 Hannah Wharton Dec 15 – Pastor Steve Smith
Dec 22 Nolan Muhlenbruch Dec 22 – Casey Simmons
Dec 29 Madi Muhlenbruch Dec 29 – Pastor Steve Smith
USHERS ALTAR GUILD
Brad & Kim Brinkman Monica Johnson
Kathy Thelke
DEACON BREAD BAKER
Craig Russell Kathy Thelke
COMMUNION SUNDAYS
December 8th & 29th
FLCW QUILTERS
December 3rd at 1:00 p.m.
FIRST COUNCIL MEETING
December 4th at 6:00 p.m.
PRAYER REQUESTS for Pastor Anita Nuetzman and family, Marv Moss, Shari Bral, Roger Iverson, Cydney Clayton, all the home-bound members and those who are residing in the local care centers.
Do you love a good jigsaw puzzle? Something to do on a cold, Iowa winter day? The church has a variety of puzzles in the Sunday school room by the fellowship hall. There is something for every age! If you have any puzzles that you would like to bring in, we would love to have them to share.
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 6, 2024
President, Jean Swanson, opened the meeting with 7 members present. A motion to approve of the minutes was made by Maynard Agena and seconded by Mary Anderson. Motion carried.
Jean Swanson led us in devotion with extra prayers for Anita and her family.
President’s Report: Jean Swanson -- under New Business
Secretary’s Report: Jeanne Russell Jeanne read the minutes from the October 2nd meeting. A motion to accept the minutes as read was made by Mary Anderson and seconded by Bev Weidemann. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Jean Swanson submitted a bill for $134.00 for the new TV in the pre-school Sunday School room. Jean shared two thank you notes that were sent to the Church from the families of Lucille Anderson and Gerry Hanson. A motion by Craig to approve of the report was seconded by Mary Anderson. Motion carried.
Deacon Report: Visits continue to be made to the shut-ins and those in care centers. Marv Moss was added to this list as he is still home recovering from surgery.
Trustee Report: Some of the bushes need to be trimmed back yet and there are a couple of lights that need to be replaced in the Church. New door to the Education wing was installed Wednesday, Nov. 6th.
Stewardship: Larry & Tammy Klatt There will not be a “Holy Hootenanny” this year. Maybe in the future if there is more interest.
Old Business: Constitution – still being checked out for ELCA recommendations
Potluck– November 17th, “Harvest Festival” – following church service –there will be a potluck! Everyone is welcome to stay and have a great dinner. Always plenty to eat!
There will be Communion at the Rail on November 10th and Communion “walk through” on Nov. 17th
Christmas Program is being planned, so mark your calendars for that Sunday, Dec. 15th – snowdate of December 22nd.
New Business: Budget Committee– needs to meet
Nominating Committee 4-H Fundraiser– needs to meet soon - Jean Swanson, Larry Klatt, Craig and Jeanne Russell
4–H Fundraiser - Hannah Wharton brought to the Council a project that the Wright County 4-H Teen Council is doing in December. She will explain what they will need to the Congregation.
Other New Business: Craig mentioned the possibility of a “Progressive Supper Caroling Night” in December. The idea was mentioned to him from a Dows resident about all the Dows Churches participating. He will get more information about it.
The Council approved for Shelly to order a garden stone for Anita and her family in Dennis’ memory.
A motion to adjourn was made by Craig and seconded by Maynard. Meeting adjourned. All Members closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Next meeting will be on December 4th.
Submitted by, Jeanne Russell, Secretary
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
A Christmas goodie sack will be handed out at the 6:30 p.m. Christmas Eve worship service. Donations of prewrapped candies, gum, candy canes, snack cakes, granola bars, etc can be placed in the box in the narthex. We will be making 50 goodie sacks. If youprefer, money donations will also be collected. Please have all donations in the box by December 20th . Thanks!
The Bethlehem Garage Sale will be held on Sunday, December 15 th starting at 8:30 a.m. We will wrap gifts while the kids have Sunday school practice. Anyone who would like to help with the gift-wrapping process that morning is more than welcome! Bring your scissors and tape if you have them and join in the fun!
YEAR END
As I write this, I can’t believe that we are already planning for the end of the year and the annual report! Our treasurer will be on J-term during part of January, and so she is asking that all end of year donations and receipts be submitted by December 31st so that she can finalize her reports. Thanks to all who have given generously this year, whether that is thru a cash donation or your time and talents....we appreciate it very much!
WEATHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
During the winter months, should we cancel church due to inclement weather, please be aware that we will post the announcement on Facebook, send out an email and update the website. We will also contact KLMJ radio and KCCI TV channel 8 as soon as we are able to.
A note from Renee Hardman, President and CEO of Lutheran Services in Iowa:
Dear friends,
I hope this finds you safe and warm. As I am closing in on my first year as President and CEO at LSI, I am filled with gratitude for our generous donors, dedicated staff members, and kind supporters. Thanks to caring people like you, LSI had another incredible year serving our neighbors. Your donations ensured young parents had access to resources and support. Your in-kind items provided comforting beds for immigrants and refugees to rest upon. Your prayers lifted the spirits of our LSI team members and those we serve. As we enjoy this holiday season, I want to thank you for supporting LSI. If you would like to serve more neighbors in need, please give at LSIowa.org/donate.
Eternally Grateful, Renee
For more information, please contact Deb Whitford, LSI’s Director of Philanthropy and Church Relations, at Deborah.Whitford@LSIowa.org or 563-676-2065.