Holidays – the best time of the year with numerous parties to go to, celebrations with yummy cocktails, exchange of gifts, mountains of delicious food, friends and family gatherings flooded with laughter, right?
For most of us yes, for some no.
Holidays can turn into stressful times for quite a few of us due to the busy schedule that leaves space for nothing else. Buying the gifts, cleaning and decorating the house, preparing the food, all take time that seems to fly too quickly. Besides the physical stress, there is the greater one, the emotional stress. Some gatherings are filled with deadlines and preparations, others are about old family wounds and insecurities; by the end of the holiday season, we feel exhausted and drained of energy.
Experiences instead of things: Negative feelings come to the surface because we have misplaced our focus. The secret is to remember how it was back when we were kids, playing with the box of the toy just as much as with the toy itself. What have you planned or already done in order to get a wonderful gift to everyone you love? Instead of going broke thanks to your big heart, or spending countless hours in shops and malls trying to purchase the perfect gift, find the ways to actually spend the holidays with those you love, replace the material value of the things with their real value. Consider how you could use the time you’d normally spend at the stores, to be with your dear ones. Years from now they will not remember the fluffy slippers or the fancy soaps, but they’ll probably remember that special day you spent together.
Switch perfectionism with fun. The home doesn’t need to be perfectly clean, as the food doesn’t need to be chef quality. You definitely don’t need decorations made by Martha Stewart. Instead of judging yourself and pushing yourself at the end of your limits, try to have fun while preparing for the holidays. Those who love you do so not because of your decorations or your crystal clear windows; they might appreciate a gourmet dinner, but love it the most important ingredient. Do as much as you’re willing and spend the remaining time enjoying your holiday.
Gratefulness. It’s hard to avoid comparison when all these perfectly happy families flood the media with their perfect holidays. Every morning, when you’re sipping your coffee, make a list with the things you do have – the ability to read, write, see, walk, etc. All the little things we often take for granted can actually bring you joy and comfort. Discover which those are and watch your mood improve.
And just to make sure, check the end date of your renter’s insurance. You don’t want to worry over 43 cents/day this holiday.
