The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate your faith, to connect with family and friends, and to welcome in a new year. Yet this is also a time when your balance can be greatly affected because of changes in routine, extra duties, and feelings triggered by old memories.
Here are a few tips toward keeping things together this holiday season:
Make a list to stay organized. Write down things you’d like to accomplish and then create a prioritized approach. Would you like to give neighbors homemade baked gingerbread? Of course you would. Is there really time to do this in your schedule this year? Just be sure you have enough time or are simply realistic.
Ask for help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by certain tasks that you believe have to be performed, be sure to ask others to pitch in. For example, holiday meals can be pot luck. Young children can help by doing activities that are easier, like dusting, vacuuming, or helping with a pet. You can ask a neighborhood teen to take your kids to a matinee so that you can complete certain holiday preparations.
It doesn’t have to be perfect. De-emphasize the idea that everything has to be perfect. Set realistic expectations for yourself. We are bombarded by magazine images showing gorgeous decorations and incredible meals. Remind yourself that a staff of people both designed and prepared those glossy spreads! Sometimes “more is less” and simple ideas can be very heart-felt.
Stay connected for support. Take a break from your holiday routine by meeting up with or calling a friend to chat briefly. Letting out your feelings to a supportive friend can greatly help you relieve holiday stress and anxiety. This can be great for both of you.
Do what you need to do to restore yourself. Don’t leave off your list a healthy walk or simple exercise or a nice healthy salad. Even a moment or two of quiet can be helpful–listen to a meditation tape or a favorite CD, practice yoga poses, or take a calming bath.
Hold a witness perspective if an issue arises. It helps if I remind myself that the things I was concerned about last year, the year before, or the years before that (!), I no longer remember. Most often we don’t. So take a deep breath, fast-forward to your 85th birthday, and ask yourself, “Will I even remember this issue then?” Probably not. So enjoy the good stuff and let go of all else!
Have a wonderful holiday and a new year of blessings. With love and gratitude, Cynthia