Monday, November 28, 2011

Find Your Joy: Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Season

It is that time of year again. The holidays. Thanksgiving is now over and Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, etc. are quickly approaching (I celebrate Christmas so I will mostly talk about that, but this can apply to all holidays!) Remember when you were a kid...how magical this time of year was? I remember waking up every day in December, wishing with all my heart that it was Christmas already. I knew that it wasn't, but I secretly hoped I would wake up magically on December 25th with the Christmas tree full of presents and snow falling silently outside. The holidays were so much fun, so exciting, and full of so much love.

Now the older we get, we run around with lists of presents to buy, errands to run, parties to host, cookies to bake, and the list goes on and on. We forget the joy and magic of the season and are stressed out by all those little things that must get done. There have been years when I get in a bad mood and become a Scrooge, just hope for the season to be over quickly, and scoff at all things festive.

So this year, please join me in finding the joy again. With Christmas a month away, use these tips to have a (almost) stress-free season and enjoy December!

1. First of all, take care of yourself! This time of year is also when people get sick more often. We spend more time indoors, get far too stressed out, and this puts a real damper on your immune system. Get plenty of sleep, take your vitamins, eat a healthy diet, exercise, and make time for yourself.

2. Make a to-do list. You'll get frazzled and stressed out simply trying to remember all the things you have to do or trying to get them done in one day. Make a list of all the things you need to get accomplished and set "due dates" for each one. Then you can determine which tasks need to get done first and get things done right.

3. Set aside time for joyful activities with your friends and family. Don't just get together at holiday parties or for holiday dinner. Walk around the nearest downtown to see the lights, go for a carriage ride, make some dates for hot chocolate and a holiday movie, etc. Remember the joy of being a kid excited for Christmas!

What are your tips for a fun and stress-free holiday season?

1 comment:

  1. This is very great thing you have shared with us. Now I found enough resources by your tips about this issue, Thank you.

    ReplyDelete

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