With Thanksgiving approaching this week, and holiday decorations already in the stores, it is evident that the “holiday season” has begun. In addition to the joy and excitement that is palpable this time of year, these weeks can bring stress for many due to the numerous family functions and parties.
Of course, this is a wonderful season and there is much to celebrate. However, I believe that one of the best ways to maintain calm during the holidays is to set boundaries and to schedule in some self-care during this hectic time of year. After all, the holidays should be about celebration, not stress!
Here are 3 of the strategies I use to keep calm during the holiday season:
1. Remember that you don’t need to attend single every holiday event. This means saying “no” sometimes. If I went to all of the events that I was invited to, I would be exhausted for the whole month of December. I try to go to the parties that I really want to attend and have no guilt about missing the rest. After all, I can’t be in two places at once. Plus, in December, all I want to do is snuggle on the sofa by the fire. It’s ok to do this sometimes.
2. Set boundaries. With so much family and friend time crammed into a 4 week period, I believe it can be helpful to set firm boundaries in relationships. For example, maybe you would feel better about attending a random holiday function if you had a plan to leave after 2 hours. If a family member says something that upsets you, its ok to remove yourself from the situation. Setting boundaries is a great way to ensure that you enjoy your family and friends during the holidays, on your own terms.
3. Schedule in “me time.” Whether this means fitting in exercise, meditating for 5 minutes or sneaking out for a pedicure, be sure to allow time for yourself. This is such a busy month and it is important to carve out some space for self-care. Committing this time to yourself will allow you to be more nourished and present while spending time with others.
However you decide to deal with the holidays… remember that its ok. Its YOUR holiday too.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you for this reminder! I am finding myself saying no a LOT lately… mostly because I’m a month away from having this baby though… I really should remember that it’s ok to skip all of these activities and focus on our little family 🙂 #blogma
absolutely!
Great tips! Self-care is always important, but during the holidays it can be very easy to put our own needs on the back burner and burn the candle at both ends. Holidays are meant for family, love, laughter, celebration, and of course, honoring the holiday. It is a time for joy, not stress!
yup! hard to remember but so important!
Great reminders! During this time of year I used to struggle with trying to do it all, be it all, and decorate it all!!! :/ But I have found that it’s okay to just have fun! And definitely schedule in some me time!
it makes this time of year SO much easier!
what great, practical tips! I love the reminder to get back to what we value the most, even during this season when it seems that social activities are the focus. Glad I stopped by.
glad you did too and that is resonated with you!
great tips especially the part about saying no. So often we get caught up in the holiday season that we forget that it i supposed to be fun. And fun can be a night at home with It’s a Wonderful Life.
yes! i love nights at home by the fire…
Great tips! People forget what the holidays are truly about and get wrapped up in the material things.