Many of us look forward to the holidays all year long – the lights, the music, the delicious food. It’s all a bit mesmerizing, even once we learn the truth behind it all. The holidays don’t really include a fat man in a red suit or an adorable reindeer with a shining, red nose. In reality, this festive season tends to include family squabbles, greedy behavior, and a ton of stress. While many of us may try to give back, spread joy and be a positive influence during the holidays, we ultimately can’t control those around us. This year, take some time to take care of yourself and follow this advice to avoid letting others stress you out. Have yourself a calm Christmas this year.
Step Away From The Office
Hopefully you won’t have a problem getting a couple of days to actually leave work and stay home with loved ones. But I’m referring to mentally leaving the office, as well. Set up your out of office reply for emails, record a message on your voicemail, or even directly tell colleagues and clients that you won’t be available certain days. You can always provide a number of a colleague for emergencies, but ultimately everyone will be ok without you for a couple of days. It’s tough to separate yourself from work, but you’ll thank yourself immensely down the road. Delegate jobs to others on your team and trust that they can handle it. If you absolutely have to do work over the holidays, designate work hours for yourself. Set a timer and stick to it!
Quit Expecting A Perfect Winter Wonderland
It’s easy to get high hopes for a spectacular holiday, especially if you’re hosting the whole gang for the main event. But don’t get tied up in the garlands and twinkle lights because things will never be perfect and you’ll only wind up disappointed and distracted from the moments that really matter. Instead, try to have fun with everything – rather than choosing everything in search of perfection, choose things based on whether they make you happy or not! For example: That snowman pillow might be the tackiest thing ever, but he’s laying on a beach and that’s awesome. Ok, so you don’t have to go for the tacky snowman pillow, but you get the idea.
Much Like The Office, Learn To Delegate At Home
We’ve all been at a holiday dinner where the host is doing literally everything. They may have one or two helpers, but ultimately they’re in full control freak mode. Now, have you also been to a meal where everyone attending is responsible for a couple of items? It is a serious game changer! The stress levels are noticeably lower and everyone has time to really spend interacting. As opposed to one person completely detached from all the memories being made because they’re confined to the kitchen. If you’re hosting this year, ask guests to bring a few things and let yourself actually be present for the holiday.
Stay Grateful
Everybody knows the holidays are about being grateful and giving to those less fortunate – but sometimes people get lost in the glitter and excitement of the season and prioritize more materialistic things. Getting presents is wonderful, but at the end of the day, a great gift is no substitution for time spent with loved ones. Don’t allow greed to take you over and distract you for what really matters. The past few years my husband and I don’t give “gifts” to each other, but rather save our money to spend on a trip, so we can spend time together. This year we are trying it out with our extend family members! So, slow down and witness the love all around and take it in. Remember what you are truly grateful for, and let the rest slip away.