We’ve hurdled past Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday.
Now on to Chanukah, Yule, Christmas and the New Year!
Take a minute.
How do you actually want your holidays to be? Fun, relaxed, enriching?
How do you actually want to feel? Happy, satisfied, warm?
Unfortunately, how we want to experience something and how we actually experience it, can often be worlds apart.
Right?
So in an effort to really create exactly what you want this year, here are my top 5 ways to have a stress free, relaxed and wonderful holiday season!
1. Self Care
Even if you have a house full of guests, are cooking up a storm or have a packed schedule of holiday parties, be sure to schedule time just for YOU.
Maybe it’s spending an hour journal writing and meditating.
How about an early evening soak in the tub?
Maybe you want to curl up by the fire with a good book, or go for a solitary walk.
Find time to give to yourself over the next few weeks so that you have the energy to give to others.
2. Clear Boundaries
Make a plan.
First, let's talk money.
What’s your holiday budget? In other words, how much money are you willing to spend on gifts, meals and outings?
Honestly look at what you have and what you can comfortably afford.
Now let's talk about tasks.
Having guests and family?
Why not make a chore list.
Decide what needs to be done, write it out, then have people sign up. That way the burden of cooking, cleaning and shopping doesn’t solely fall on you.
Plus then you're not angry, resentful or overworked!
3. Schedule Fun
Make sure that throughout the next few weeks, the activities and tasks you do are FUN for you.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the hype or get completely focused on taking care of everyone else. Don’t forget about yourself and what you love most about this time of year.
For me, it’s getting a fresh tree and decorating it along with the house. I play all of my favorite holiday music like A Charlie Brown's Christmas.
I also love special holiday foods (especially desserts). So I enjoy researching new recipes, making them and then, of course, eating!
4. Seek Balance
Since I was just mentioning indulging in special holiday treats, be mindful about it. In other words, enjoy and savor those specialities - be it fudge, gingerbread, yule logs, eggnog and the like. But also counterbalance that with exercise, movement as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.
5. Make Your Time Meaningful
How can you really savor this special time?
Be truly present with yourself, your loved ones and each and every moment.
Throughout your day, take a minute to breathe in and express gratitude for all you have. That can instantly change everything.
Think too about the customs or traditions you enjoy around this time of year - lighting candles, going to mass, chorale singing.
How can you feed your soul this holiday season?
Try incorporating these 5 tips and see how much of a difference they can make for you.
My wish for you is that the next few weeks are the most fulfilling, inspiring, loving weeks in your life, and that you have a peaceful, joyful rest of 2017. AND may you get everything your heart desires!