Tip 12 for Beating Stress at Christmas is go to a religious service or nativity play. This act takes us back to basics of why we have Christmas. Nothing puts the meaning back into the holiday season like remembering what we are celebrating.

No matter what the advertisements tell us we don't celebrate commercialism or the materialism. We celebrate the birth of a newborn baby placed in a manger. The season is about finding hope and joy in the middle of a condescending, stressful, rushing world.

If you don't attend worship services regularly you aren't alone. Don't worry about taking the kids or even going alone. Every pastor can confirm that churches are more full on Christmas, Easter and Mother's Day than at any other time of year.

Finding a worship service to attend is as easy as asking friends. Someone you are friends with will surely be able to help. The newspaper can also be a good resource. Many churches will list their worship times and the types of services in the local paper.

Getting back to the basics of Christmas is possibly the best way to remember what the real meaning of the holiday is all about.

From Hope for Healing.Org to you we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year. May it be filled with the hope, joy and wonder that the season is intended to bring.