Hectic to Harmonious: tips for the holidays
Oh, the holiday season! A time of celebration and “the most wonderful time of the year.” In reality the holidays can be stressful, putting extra demands on our time, energy and wallets. It can be joyous for sure but not everyone experiences the holidays as a time of joy.
Family gatherings can be fun, but there are those that may dread being with family or are grieving the holidays without family. How do we cope when everything just gets to be too much?
We take care of ourselves and we start practicing self-care before we are in the hustle and bustle of holiday cheer! Here are some tips for not just surviving but thriving during the holiday.
First, take a mindful approach as you plan. Meditate and visualize how you would like to “be” during the holiday season. Close your eyes and create that mental image. If you can see it, you can be it. Your image may even include some joyful and positive experiences you have had from past holidays. Think of the things that bring you joy, calm and comfort.
Maintain this positive energy throughout the days and weeks to come. Give yourself 5-10 minutes a day to sit and meditate on how you will create the space, time and energy for a great holiday experience.
Now that you have that image let’s highlight a few things that might cause you stress during the holidays.
The Four Horsemen of the Holiday Season:
Food-So many things to create, make and try. This season ask yourself, “Do I really need to make and bake five different kinds of cookies?” For all you over achievers, how about settling on one special recipe or item to take to your gathering. If you are hosting, have others bring side dishes and help pitch in with the preparations.
Just as there are a lot of things to make, bake and create, so are there lots of things to eat! Parties to attend and recipes to try. By the end of the holidays you have overeaten and are not feeling good about it.
Before any event decide what you will stay away from and what you will eat in moderation. I love cheese and have a tendency to overdue it. So, that is one thing set a limit on before I’m standing in front of the charcuterie board. Whatever it is, mentally prepare yourself before the big event. You are less likely to splurge.
Finances- It is easy to overspend during the holidays. Be practical and know what you can afford! Make a holiday budget and stick to it. If it’s too easy to swipe a card and lose track then set aside your budgeted amount in cash and pay with cash. Keep your receipts and track your spending. This goes for gifts, decorations, food. Tracking your spending can give you pause once you are mindful of the amount you’re spending.
Family- Family time can be wonderful. Especially during the holidays when you get to see relatives you don’t normally see. But what if uncle Joe drinks too much and aunt Hilda is too loud and bossy? The good news is you get to decide who you spend time with and for how long. Set healthy boundaries for yourself. Don’t be guilted into going somewhere you won’t enjoy. If you absolutely must attend, set a limit on the amount of time you spend there. Then leave and go do something enjoyable for yourself and your family!
Frenzy-Don’t get caught up in the frenzy and expectations others (or you) put on yourself. Vow to have a quieter holiday. A slower paced holiday. Avoid the crowds!!
I gave up Black Friday shopping many, many years ago. It wasn’t worth the crowd and the waiting in line to save twenty-five dollars. My sanity was worth more than that. However, if you love all that then by all means enjoy!!
This holiday do less and be more present. You and those you love will be thankful you did.
And as my father used to sing, every holiday without fail…
Happy Holidays!
-Nanette