Yikes! The Holiday Season is Here!
In less than a week, families and friends in the U.S. will be gathering for Thanksgiving, which is the kickoff for, if not the most wonderful time of the year, at least the busiest. While it can be a fun ride from now until January, it can also be a stressful time.
Every year I wish November and December could be stretched out somehow. There’s so much to experience, to see, and to enjoy. But there is also a lot of planning, prepping, and packaging to do. The joy of the season can get lost in the busyness of it all.
We can’t add more days to the calendar, so how might we find the time to finish it all and fully enjoy the family, friends, and activities that we’ve spent so much energy preparing for?
Since you’re short on time and, frankly, so am I, let’s get right to the point, shall we? I want to offer you just a few quick tips to help you get through the holidays with more joy and less stress, so here goes:
You do not have to do it all yourself. When someone asks if they can help, let them!
You do not have to do things exactly the way you have always done them. It’s OK to scale back, to eliminate things that you dislike doing, and/or to find ways to simplify your celebrations.
Just say “no” to perfection. Make “good enough” your mantra for this season.
Take time for yourself. Don’t think of “you time” as a luxury. Think of it as time you spend to re-energize yourself for your busy holiday journey.
Focus on what’s most important. For most of us, spending time with those we love is what really matters. Everything else is just noise.
As we enter this busy season, you may choose to let go of your normal, daily routine — at least until January 1st. To some degree, that may be unavoidable. Before I end this brief post, though, I want to remind you to not cut corners with your happiness routine.
Be sure to write a gratitude or two at least daily. Spend time praying and/or meditating. Read something uplifting, such as my post last year about Thanksgiving Gratitude. Have a cup of your favorite coffee or hot chocolate while you take a few moments to simply rest.
This holiday season doesn’t have to be frenetic or stressful — at least not most of the time. Commit yourself to finding new ways to deal with the holidays that will give you more time, energy, and freedom to enjoy this most wonderful time of the year.
