The holiday 2021 season brings the hope of renewal after the many challenging months of the pandemic. With that expectation, you might place even greater pressure to make up for last year and feel you must meet the needs of everyone else. The source of much of this stress is that we try to do too much. In an attempt to help reduce this stress, I am reposting this blog because the the message is still true. Here are some strategies that can help make your holiday and mine a time of renewal and joy and perhaps less stressful.
DECK SOME HALLS
Keep it simple – That holiday meal or gift doesn’t have to be elaborate to be wonderful. Try to remember some simple pleasure from your own childhood. Less can be MORE.
“TIS THE SEASON TO BE ……..YOU”
Set Your Priorities- don’t overbook yourself. You can say NO to that invitation that you really don’t want to attend. Choose quality over quantity. Decide what you and your family would most like to do and focus on that. If you don’t respect your limits, who will?
Plan Ahead- try your best to do what you can in advance. Last minute shopping and preparations cause a great deal of stress. Consider setting a cut- off date; after that date, let it go until next year. Don’t aim for perfection “You don’t have to be perfect to be worthy of love”.
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS
Stay in your Budget. Learn to say no to spending more than you can afford. Choose simple, thoughtful or useful gifts. You will not be able to truly enjoy the holidays if you are worrying about how you are going to pay the bills come January 1st.
PEACE ON EARTH
Riding the Emotional Roller Coaster- The holidays bring up lots of old memories and fantasies about the perfect holiday we either wished we had or believe we had as a child. It usually is not the “White Christmas” movie set we all might hope. Being with family can be wonderful or pretty difficult.
Define your limits- Be willing to let go of those old traditions if they no longer work for you or your family. Try creating new rituals that are best for you and those that matter to you. Remember, holiday dinners are never the time to settle that issue with your relative. Wait until another time to bring it up if you know it will cause stress for you and others.
GOD REST YE MERRY …
Take care of Yourself- Give yourself time for rest and renewal each day. Avoid too much of anything- too much food, alcohol, caffeine. Try to focus on what you want to celebrate and stay true to that spirit. What really brings you PEACE and JOY at this time of year?
GOOD WILL TO ALL
SHINE YOUR LIGHT