Holiday Cheer

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bell Rock. Can you hear it? The Holidays are quickly approaching. For many, the holiday season and feelings of cheerfulness do not go together. The constant pressures from selecting the perfect gifts, work and family celebrations, travel, and disruptions in normal routines can lead to holiday burnout!

Three helpful tips can help you spread holiday cheer clear into the new year.

Regardless of which holidays that your family will be celebrating.  These tips can help reduce stress and bring back the joy.

1. Say NO more!
   • Give yourself permission to say no and set healthy boundaries. It seems everyone is pulling for more of your time during the holidays.
     • Holiday work party
     • Family commitments
     • School parties and events
   • Make a list of your top priorities to help you stay focused on what is important and say “no” to things that are time and money-drainers.
2. Plan ahead.
   • What are your traditions, do they still have meaning for you?
   • When it comes to family commitments and traditions, keep what fits and let go of the rest.
   • Communicate with your family to ensure that you are all on the same page.
   • Try making a holiday calendar ahead of time so everyone knows the commitments to decrease stress and prevent overbooking.
3. Set a budget.
   • Set a budget to avoid falling into the trap of buy, buy, buy.
   • Remember the importance of the gift of time.
     • Spending quality time is often more appreciated and valued by family and friends than any material gift. It might seem too simple, but the gift of time is often overlooked in the busy season.
     • Stop by Grandma’s house for a long conversation.
     • Leave your cell phone in the car and just be present.
     • Notice the smile on your loved one’s faces as you intentionally make time to focus on them.

As you head into the holiday season take a deep breath, try these steps and ENJOY!  Wishing you a cheerful holiday season and a Happy New Year!