(2) Acknowledge the effort by others. Take time to appreciate others. Be grateful for the dedicated, hard-working people in your community who keep things running and serve with pride.
(3) Banish the blues. An energetic walk - even just around the block - allows you to step away from the family and your phone and clear out your mind. Just a couple of minutes of exercise in the fresh air can do wonders for one's mood too!
(3) Banish the blues. An energetic walk - even just around the block - allows you to step away from the family and your phone and clear out your mind. Just a couple of minutes of exercise in the fresh air can do wonders for one's mood too!
(4) Set limits and own your decisions. Remind yourself (internally) that when other people pay your bills, they they can make suggestions about what to do. Laugh about it. Then, do what works for you and your family.
(5) Celebrate positive things. Play a "gratitude game" at dinner; go around the table and everyone gets to share what they are glad about this month. Post an online challenge to friends asking them to participate as well, and you may just find that a focus on the good parts of life winds up dispersing some of the negativity you may be feeling.
(7) Nurture the relationships that matter - yes, even this time of the year. Make time for the important things in life.
(8) Giving is Christmas spirit in action. Step out of yourself for a bit and focus on brightening the day for someone less fortunate, perhaps a neighbor with few relatives, or maybe someone who is unable to get out.
(9) Don't let small stuff upset your zen. Aunt Mable may be a little tough to take but Christmas is really only once a year.......learn to adapt and maintain a positive attitude.
(10) Water, water, water. It's a fact that most of us do not consume nearly enough H2o each day and being even mildly dehydrated can lead to fatigue, moodiness and headaches.
(12) Be practical....you're not Santa Claus. Can you really get from the in-laws place to dad's house in the same day? Is it actually sane to plan for a 14 hour road trip? For years and years we attempted the impossible, trying to navigate frantically from one home to another, only to get delayed and wind up completely stressed out and often still unable to please everyone. Don't agree to more than you can do within a reasonable time frame and do plan for traffic, bad weather, etc.
(13) Decide what matters most. Make a list of the annual events, traditions and obligations, and choose the ones which are most important to do together. Acknowledge those which may not be absolutely essential to everyone but encourage family members to go on their own if they wish. December is meant to be fun, not an endurance competition.
14) Pause; count to 100; take deep breaths. If your day exploded into mayhem and the dog puked all over the house and the kids are hyped up like crazy......take 5. Or 60. It's OKAY to disappear for quick break even if the rest of the family is shocked at the need to restore your brain to a reasonable level of calmness. Savor the serenity, breathe and exhale.
15) Dance party!! Nothing chases away moodiness and blue feelings like upbeat music or festive holiday songs. Sing along and dance like you mean it until the storm clouds blow away and you feel refreshed.
16) Shrug it off. I know......easy to say, right? But seriously, the next time someone blurts out a comment which seems a little odd, or says something that strikes you as critical, remember they may be nervous, socially awkward or just didn't think how they sound. It may not have anything at all to do with you, so laugh it off and move on with a smile.
17) One on one interactions can create precious memories. Carve out some special moments for one on one time. Start a new holiday ritual or simply enjoy a favorite activity together.
18) Go with the current. Avoid becoming a victim of your carefully made plans. Sure, the Christmas photo is better when everyone wears coordinating colors but don't let that ruin your holiday spirit.
20) It's okay that you can't do everything. Realize your limits and be honest when asked to participate or volunteer. Declining politely is better than waiting until the last minute and then having to cancel.
21) Value the important things. Ask family and friends what they cherished most this year. Write each little story down and place in an envelope to share the following year.
22) Spend better. Instead of making yourself crazy attempting to have three, five or even more presents for each member of the family, try dialing it back a bit this year. Selecting fewer meaningful items which are quality gifts may wind up being a wiser solution all around.
23) You-time is essential. Purchase the exquisite box of chocolates or stash a special bottle of wine away to savor peacefully while reflecting on the joy of the holidays. (No, you aren't allowed to feel guilty either!)
24) Shake off the dust of previous years. Stop comparing your holiday plans with what mom used to do or beat yourself up about situations from the past. Cherish this special time and remember that sometimes it's wise to mentally close a door in order to free your spirit.
25) Start a new pattern. Develop a meaningful ritual for your holidays this year, such as breakfast for dinner followed by caroling around the neighborhood, or secretly "adopting" a neighbor or family to leave gifts for one night.
I hope these suggestions inspire you to ditch some of the feelings or panic which so often seem to arrive with the holiday season. Connect with me on my other social channels to share these reminders and I wish you the best Christmas season ever! Thank you for stopping by my blog and happy holidays to you and yours.
community first • marketing consultant • advocate for small business • lover
of classic cars • beach girl • believer that "together we accomplish more"
