The holidays can turn even the calmest of persons into harried messes. In the rush to get the tree, put up the lights, decorate the house, buy presents, plan a great meal, entertain and make everyone happy—and continue to take care of your every day tasks (such as a full-time job)—we can feel a bit of pressure. On top of this pressure, are the subtle and not so subtle judgments of those who tend toward type A. You know the ones—they have their Christmas cards delivered the day after Thanksgiving, have their houses decorated that same weekend and are done Christmas shopping weeks before Christmas. Appreciate their organizational skills and don’t beat yourself up for being on a different time schedule. And certainly don’t allow the judgers of the world to hurt your holiday spirit!
The holidays are meant to be a time of fun, enjoyment and connection. They are not now—and never have been—meant to be a time of frenzy, shame, judgment or keeping up with the Joneses. Don’t get caught up in the rat race of it all. If you’re done with all your holiday preparations, then pat yourself on the back and enjoy the rest of the season. And if you’re not done, enjoy what you have left to do and take in the holiday atmosphere all around you as you shop and prepare for the holidays. No shame; no frenzy; no apologies. Do the holiday your way and accept that this is the way it is.
If you still have a lot to do, remind yourself to breathe. Slow down; take in the music, the lights and the eggnog. Complete the tasks you need to complete with a good spirit, not a frenzied one. Remind yourself that ultimately it’s about relationships, not gifts and then be deliberate about putting relationships BEFORE tasks—not tasks before relationships. Next, enjoy the hell out of everyone around you. Hug your loved ones tight, treat them with kindness and don’t get caught up in the “have tos” of holiday time. And when you’re finally done—and you will be at some point—pause, pat yourself on the back and relax into the festivities.
Challenge: Commit to doing the holiday in your own style and on your own time frame. Don’t allow your own judgments or the judgments (or perceived judgments) of those around you to sour your holiday. Breathe—enjoy—and be grateful.