Just before Halloween each year, I always try to get business things kind of tidied up, because it seems that after October 31, everyone is in Holiday Mode, and time seems to shrink away, as our calendars fill up. I bet you’ve thought about “the holidays” at least once today. You’re already being bombarded with ads and reminders. The pressure and stress has begun.
Would you like to have a calmer, more enjoyable holiday season? Here are 3 tips to help you master your emotions and take charge of your time this season:
1) Right now, go to your calendar and earmark a LIMITED number of evenings for events and parties, programs (like if your kids perform in something) and services. (I mark them with “event/party?” to hold the space on my Google Calendar). This should include Thanksgiving (if you celebrate), and the day of whichever holidays you celebrate. It makes no sense to go to more parties in November and December than you do the entire rest of the year! Promise yourself NOT to exceed that number you have earmarked. The idea is to ask yourself right now “how many is too many?” and don’t go there. If you know that going to 3 parties in one week is going to wipe you out, then only allow 2. Because remember, there is preparation (like food, buying a bottle of wine, dressing for the party, and for some of you, getting a babysitter!). Talk with your partner about this, and coordinate work parties, too. Take a little bit of time to schedule NOW to avoid getting burned out later.
2) Spend less money! Give practical, useable, consumable gifts – like salts and oils and wine and baked goods and other things that aren’t just things. No one I know needs more stuff. Consider giving experiences – such as a membership to the art museum, or theater tickets, or a train ride. Or present them with healing. A gift card for Tapping, Acupuncture, Massage, Reiki – all make wonderful gifts. Even for the kids – if the kids in your life are looking for a bunch of stuff for the holidays, this is the year to begin to wean them. It doesn’t need to be “cold turkey,” but help them to see a new perspective by donating to an amazing charity on their behalf, and then introduce them to the work the charity does. Some of my favorites are Project Light Rwanda, Jesse Lewis Choose Love Foundation, Community Cycling Center. I’ve taken my kids and worked a homeless shelter serving Thanksgiving meals. Start a family legacy. There are lots of wonderful things to do with and without money. Use your imagination.
3) *Just slow down! *Take a walk. Many years ago, I began going out for a long walk with my kids, during the day on December 24th. We would meander through the town we lived in back then, and I felt so lucky to not be rushing around. If it’s not done by the 23rd, allow yourself to say “it’s not getting done!” *Throughout this season, take lots of “breath breaks.” Do it right now. Take a deep breath in – filling your lungs all the way. Keep your shoulders down, and your back straight. Exhale slowly. Do that two or three times. Repeat throughout every day.
