Surviving the Holidays We all know the holidays are filled with many things…. Celebrations, family, feasts But they can also bring Stress, frustration, high emotions.
is over-booking ourselves. When you can look ahead you can see where you have time, and where you do not. For me this helps to allocate my energy as well; I know if there are going to be days where I will need more focus and energy than with others so I can plan accordingly.
Be honest with people. It is easy to agree to attend To help you stay focused, every party and event, even keep your energy up and when we know it is not the fight burnout so you can best for us and we may not continue to show up, here want to. Do not attend are some tips that have things out of obligation; the helped me over the years. holidays are busy and (most) people understand this and Get a game plan ahead of do not take offense if you time. Even though there cannot show up or need to can be last minute surprises, leave early. Simply tell them do your best to lay out a you have another commitcalendar with all the import- ment. If it is someone or an ant dates and event ahead event you do not feel you of time. This will allow can get out of, talk with the you to see what is coming host and see if there is a way up and set aside the right to attend part rather than all amount of time. One things of it. Trust me, one the other that causes a lot of stress side of that event is another 29
women who is stressed out too – she will understand. Make new traditions. I know, I know – some of you are throwing eye daggers at me right now. But the truth is you CAN change how you do things! For me, the people, the memories and being present are more important that running myself into the ground and resenting others around me. I have taken to doing some non-traditional things to make the season easier and more enjoyable for me: • Go out for dinner or order in • Instead of presents, make plans for a trip to create an experience • Celebrate on a different day – this is a big one for me with a blended family. We celebrate as we can which may be
