It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Why then do words like hectic and stressful seem to be a part of this most wonderful time of year? What if this year was different? What if hectic was replaced with peace and joy? What if dread and loneliness was replaced with joy and laughter?
The truth is, many of us live lives that are already very busy with no margin or room to add anything else into our day. The holiday season brings many extra opportunities to celebrate and fill our time and calendar. Holiday decorating, baking, parties, musicals, special worship celebrations, family gatherings, and shopping (to name a few)!
The holiday season can also be filled with expectations. Expectations we hold for ourselves to do everything “just right.” Expectations to carry out traditions handed down from our past which creates an image of what our holiday “should” look like. Expectations from the world continually influencing us to want more, do more and accomplish more during the holidays! Do you ever feel like all this is just….. Noise, Noise, and More Noise?
Here are a few simple tips to consider
Be True to Yourself
Step back and consider the many areas of your life and responsibilities. If you were to be perfectly honest, what would you like this holiday season to look like? Be realistic!
Expectations
Be aware of why you are doing what you are doing. Who will you disappoint or who will benefit? Be intentional. Don’t get caught up in the “this is the way I have always done it” syndrome. Consider making small positives adjustments that will bring you relief and joy!
Set Limits
Set limits to the amount of money you spend and number of gifts you buy. Consider setting a deadline for your shopping to be finished. Stop shopping on that date so you can enjoy the remainder of the season.
Set limits on the number of social gatherings you will attend. It’s so easy to max out calendars; leaving no room to relax and enjoy this time of year. A gracious “no” is totally acceptable. Remember when you say yes to everything, you must say no to things that are likely more important. If you are going through a difficult time this year, say yes to only the things that will contribute to your recovery!
Ask for Help
It’s okay. Ask for help!
Keep Meals and Household Chores Simple
Keep meals simple and healthy. Consider doubling the recipe each time you cook and put the extras in the freezer. On busy days, take your already made meal out of the freezer and reheat. You will thank yourself!
Keep up on the housework by breaking down chores into simple tasks that can be accomplished on different days. For example, bathrooms cleaned one day, vacuuming done on another day, and laundry done on the next day. You get the point!
Self-Care
Try to keep a daily routine. Eating healthy, making time for daily exercise and getting plenty of rest will help with day to day stress, energy, and overall how you feel!
Consider Giving More of Your Most Valuable Asset
Did you know your most valuable asset and gift you can give to others is TIME? Your time. Invest in the ones you love most! Enjoy simple conversations and other simply activities you enjoy. Most important…don’t forget to laugh…..a lot!
Practice Gratitude often
What do you have to be thankful for daily?
Celebrate the Reason
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2: 11-12 (NIV)
Coaching Tip
Close your eyes and imagine it’s January 2, 2020.
How do you feel?
Are you exhausted? Are you filled with joy and peace?
Describe the last few weeks.
If you could do it over, what would you change?
Your Life Matters!
Peace and Gratitude,
Tammy
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