I have made an intentional decision this holiday season. It is my mission to truly enjoy the Holidays not shift into “Helladays” mode. You know “Helladays” mode stressed out, overstretched, and overwhelmed. Barely surviving not thriving.
I thought it may be helpful to share my 3 strategies for making this a memorable and healing time for me and my family.
Let’s talk gifts. To lessen the stress, our family has agreed to only focus on gifts for the kids. Whew! That takes some pressure off of all of us. Although I have to admit that I do add in a few gift surprises here and there along with some fun stocking stuffers. I also find comfort in creating a list of tasks to do and remaining gifts to get to ease my brain of the unknowns. The earlier, the better, to conserve energy and time—not to mention stress!
Managing My Expectations Our family has certain traditions that we find solace in such as baking/decorating cookies together, nightly walks with the dogs to see the lights, putting our luminaries on Christmas Eve, and making a special “fancy” dinner on Christmas. As I reflect on years past, I realize that I have felt the weight of everyone’s holiday memories and happiness on my shoulders. And then I realized if I can just reel in my perfectionist or overachiever mentality realizing what the season is about for my family is being together and hanging out. I will intentionally remind myself frequently when I feel the “perfectionist” pressure coming on to go back to my core focus- family memories that matter and activities that are healing and positive. If that activity does not align with that - away it goes!
Taking Care of Me Yes, being “hostess-of-the-most-ess” for a whole household and local family for the holidays can be hectic. I have committed to asking for more help from all, trimming back on things that do not matter, and care for myself. Whether that is taking a solo walk or slipping off to the gym early before everyone wakes up. There is stress juggling hostess duties however I will limit tasks and activities that drain my “joy” that are not needed and necessary to maintain my holiday cheer.
I hope this may be helpful to you as we approach such a fun time of the year. Remember think of what you want your holiday season to look and feel like. Be intentional. And take care of you!
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