To Be Jolly
Or so they say! Sometimes that is easier said than done. More and more the holidays are less about family and more about the hustle and bustle of shopping, parties, travel and craziness! While they can be full of family, friends and amazing food, the holidays often bring on stress.
Here are a few tips to staying grounded as Christmas is fast approaching!
- Take a break or a deep breathe. Coffee with a friend, a warm bath, or for me it is going to the gym and sweating!
- Give to others. Due to stress of the holidays gifts often feel like an obligation, this friend, that co-worker, teachers, nieces and nephews ... but giving is supposed to be fun! I encourage you this year to give to someone you don't know! Giving to a child or family in need can do wonders for your soul. You feel blessed to have shared in someone else's journey and it rejuvenates you to finish your own shopping.
- Traveling or Not. This year my family decided not to travel for Christmas. Stick to your instincts and don't feel guilty. My husband and I travel all year round with our son, and we actually want to stay home and do nothing, remember this is OK!
- Dealing with Grief. Holidays bring out sadness and grief if you've lost a loved one. It reminds you of the good times you shared. Remember to be gentle with yourself. Shed a tear, laugh over a funny memory, and don't pretend you are fine. People care they just don't always know the right thing to do or say.
Whatever your stress may be, remember the holidays are supposed to be fun, full of love, laughter and a time to enjoy! If that means you eat an extra cookie, than by all means eat another cookie!
This year I was blessed to head up shopping for adopted families in need. While we will never know their story or their struggle, I feel very overwhelmed that for a brief moment when they receive our gifts of love, that they will feel happy and cared about regardless of their situation. A HUGE thank you to my friends and co-workers who participated to make this happen! I look forward to giving more throughout the year in 2016.
