Can we really take care of ourselves during the holidays?

There are lots of distractions in our everyday life, all year through. 

Cooking, cleaning, appointments, meetings, phone calls, scrolling social media, actual “work”, checking in with loved ones, and all manner of everything else.

Then we try to squeeze in some fun, and some relax time.

Is that working?  How does your life feel?  Do you like it?  Is your life something you enjoy?  Could it be time to re-think your life?

If something’s not working right, in business, what does the business owner do?  Hopefully figures out changes they can make to help things work smoother…or more profitable, etc.

We don’t usually like to think of making changes in our lives, because it might cause a challenge for us, or something we feel like we couldn’t easily do, or that we just couldn’t picture our life with us making that change.

Maybe that’s why we just keep hitting our head against the wall, trying to make things work…AGAIN and AGAIN… when the REALITY is, Nothing is going to Change!  (Until we decide to…)

**********************************

Holidays aren’t times for lectures.

But if our everyday life doesn’t have much enjoyment in, the holidays will even add stress to that.

We want to enjoy the holidays.  Do we really want it to be as full of “things to do” as our everyday life, PLUS all the extras this season brings?

Would we like for it to be an enjoyable, peaceful holiday?

********************************************

You know, most things in our lives, can be changed.  If we don’t like the way they are, they can be changed.

The question is, do you really want the change?  If you do, you have to do some things.

#1–Actually make the decision to change.

#2–Think of ways you can make changes.  Some of them may not feel good.  Or they may be scary to think of.  Think of at least two ways you can change.  If you think of two ways to change, you’ll have three choices.  The two new ways, and the way you are now. 

#3–Decide what way you want to change.

#4–Decide the first three things to do that would put you in a place to begin.

#5–It’s time to do the work.  Do the first thing, then the second.  Then come up with another step or two, and just keep moving forward. 

You don’t have to move fast.  But the quicker you make your decisions, the faster you’ll be able to change.  And it doesn’t matter if you take a step backwards here and there.  Just keep thinking, and keep “doing”.  Change is happening.

**********************************************

Don’t think you have time to “change” before Christmas?

The “change” is in you decision.  Again…Decide if you really want to change.  Once you decide, all you have to do is think for a little bit about what you could change that would make a difference.  God gave us a good imagination, which I don’t think we use near enough.

An example would be:

It’s so stressful thinking about all the gifts you need to buy.  And if you are the host for a party or meal, all the food to buy, and to prepare.

Suggest to your family or group, to draw names (and put a suggested maximum dollar amount), instead of buying gifts for everyone.  Or just for everyone to bring a gift, etc.  You might be surprised in that others feel the same way, just didn’t want to be the one to bring it up.

And when buying gifts, you might consider home-made food items, or something else you could make yourself.  Some local craft events have beautiful hand-made items and pricing can be reasonable.

Make a list of who you will be buying for.  And get the gifts right away.  Have as many as you can, at the same time so you’ll be done with that task.

And if you’re to host a gathering, the planning is the most important.  Imagine the maximum who will attend; touch base with others to decide on a menu (finger food, or sit-down meal, etc.); discuss how it would be for each person to bring something to eat. 

My experience is that usually these people help make it easier and smoother with their ideas.

If sharing the responsibility of food isn’t an option, consider hiring it done, at least partially.  Consider hiring help with the decorating, cleaning, etc.  You might save enough money on gift-giving to help pay for some things like this.

The main key is to plan ahead.   Our family posts the event in a private family facebook group so everyone knows any questions or changes or last-minute details.

Plan for how seating will be arranged, for table coverings, candles/candle holders, any extra decorating, parking, outside lighting, and as many details as you possibly can.  Don’t leave anything until the last minute.  Try to plan it so that you can sit down and rest a bit on the “day of” the event.  And so that you can have a day or two afterward just to rest.

During the holidays, be sure to check in with your calendar. Often.  If you notice you have too many evenings with commitments, decide which ones are least important for you to attend, or the ones you would least enjoy.  And skip some.  This is an important step if you want to have a more peaceful holiday.

If you’re not having extra people on Christmas Day, go for “simple” food, and dress it up with cozy candle-light, etc.

*********************************

Get good sleep; cut the alcohol so you’ll sleep good, and be energetic in the mornings.  Eat good quality food—not the Standard American Diet; Determine to enjoy your friends and family.  Smile to people you see when you’re out (Smile at your family too).

*********************************

If you keep up your regular frazzled pace through the Christmas season, you won’t be able to enjoy any time quietly reflecting—and enjoying your holiday.

Stop. 

It will be better to be late than frazzled when you arrive.  You will show up fully present, and alive in the moment with the people you care about.

Your tasks, or work, may not be done as quickly, but you can enjoy doing them.

We live by time.  It’s important.  But it may not be THE MOST IMPORTANT.

To be able to “Love your People” and be able to show that love, with your time and your attention…that may be THE MOST IMPORTANT.

And You’ll have good memories of these times.  And they will too.

Thank you for reading; if I can help you feel better during these holidays, or help you in any way at all, please contact me.

Wishing you THE BEST time of preparation for the coming holiday season!

Sharon