Learn to Love the Holiday Season

The holiday season: that magical time of year that starts in mid-October and lasts through the New Year.  A time filled with holiday parties, good will, and vacations.  A time when people are nice to one another, kids are well-behaved, and we’re reminded of why we love our family and friends.  Right?

Not exactly!  The holiday season (which seems to get longer each year) is one of the most stressful times of the year.  Learn to love the holiday season by first understanding the main reasons why it can be feel so stressful: increased obligations, finances, and family.

Increased Obligations

Most women today are already functioning at max capacity, struggling to balance work, kids, and personal life.  During the holiday season, you may find yourself squeezing in a manicure for an office party, attending your kid’s holiday program at school, cooking the dish you agreed to bring for Thanksgiving, or shopping for that perfect gift.  Heaping a ton of holiday-related tasks on your already full to-do list is really pushing it!

Now more than ever it’s important to make good choices with your time.  Start by identifying your priority for this holiday season.  Is it to have the most beautifully decorated house on the block?  Or is it to give your kids some much needed down time over the break?

With that goal in mind, use your time wisely.

• Learn to say NO and create more time by dropping unnecessary activities.
• Ease back on playdates and activities for your kids.
• Choose to spend time on activities you enjoy or give you a sense of accomplishment.

Finances

Not looking to break the bank this holiday season?  Here are some tips to get your spending under control:

• Buy gifts (and wrap them) as you see them throughout the year.
• Suggest a gift exchange/Secret Santa for extended family.
• Pare down your gift giving list.
• Buy in bulk, for example a case of wine for hostess gifts.

Family

One reason it is stressful to be around family is that it can bring up unresolved conflicts that are easier to ignore.  Resolving these issues before the holidays can make for a more enjoyable event.

Also, your family members are often more judgmental and critical of you than others.

• Change the way you perceive their comments.
• Choose not to let it bother you.

Lastly, don’t get stuck in a rut of “doing what we’ve always done.”  Recognize that traditions change as families evolve, and be sure to carve out some time for new traditions with your immediate family.

For more tips on learning to love the holiday season, attend my workshop at DEFINE Living on Tuesday, November 28, at 12:00pm.  Click here to register.