TIPS TO STRESS-FREE HOLIDAYS

TIPS TO STRESS-FREE HOLIDAYS
“The stress-free way to enjoy the holidays is to plan, take one step at a time, and have a sense of humor.” Beth Tabak
Can you feel the holiday jitters beginning? Suddenly there it is right around the corner. Relax! Take time to plan now and ease on into the holidays with a big smile on your face. Get out a small notebook and pen, and let’s get started.
Reminisce over previous holidays. In your notebook create a column for What Works and another for Not That Again. Under What Works list the activities that bring you joy, those that come naturally to you, and those that seem to click into place. Under Not That Again list your challenges. Jot the things that drain your energy and bring you down. What changes need to take place?
Choose a theme for the holidays that you can get excited about. What is most important to you during this holiday? Base your theme around that. Maybe you want to stay home instead of traveling. Your theme could be “Home for the Holidays.” Maybe your budget is tight. Your theme could be “Simply Sensational.” Your theme will help you stay focused.
Set you top 3 priorities based on your theme and what you want. Get crystal clear. Write them down. When you know your priorities you are able to respond easily to requests. When you know what is important to you it becomes easier to set boundaries.
Create a Map. What would happen if you took a big trip without planning? You would likely get lost, waste time, and experience anxiety. It makes sense to plan at the holidays when so many areas of our lives are affected: time, energy, personal care, relationships, physical environment, and finances. Create a task list thru the end of the year. Yes it takes a block of time and will save you time and stress. It prevents you from running in circles, going back and forth to the same place, and trying to remember what’s next. Keep your map with you everywhere you go. Set blocks of time to carry out these tasks. Have fun and gain momentum as you check them off. Remember to save it for next year.
Set your budget. Develop a budget that feels good. Many people are tight on cash. There are lots of ways to make this holiday special without adding stress to your budget. How can you show people they are appreciated? What activities can you do as a family? Get creative and have fun. Every year I have at least one gift for the kids to find. I wrap empty boxes inside each other. When they open the last box there is a clue telling them the next step. Don’t let a tight budget steal your joy.
Give in a way that gives you joy vs. out of obligation. When you give in a way that comes naturally to you, you stay in integrity with who you are. Therefore, you are able to share your own special gifts with others. When you are doing what you love life seems to click.
Take action now! Begin today so that you are tying up your last bows well before the pitter patter of hoofs on the rooftop. Keep your holiday notebook and map close at hand. The sooner you complete your tasks, the sooner you can sit back, smile, and enjoy the season!