As I sit enjoying early fall with the turning of the leaves from shades of green to hues of red and gold, days growing shorter and darkness creeping ever earlier, I am reminded that soon the days will be short, the nights long and our schedules packed full.
First Halloween with the haunted houses, costumes, trick-or-treat, trunk-or-treat and candy. Thanksgiving rolls around with gatherings of friends and family, gratitude, turkey and a veritable cornucopia of delicacies. And of course, Christmas, the Solstice, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are all celebrated in December. January 1st marks the new year and the end of it all. A flurry of festivities and activity packed into a few short months.
Gathering with family and enjoying this time of year is what we crave and look forward to. But with all the holidays and all the people we are keen to see, it is a time of year that can become daunting. Coordinating schedules, budgets, gift purchases, travel and the general mental load of trying to accomplish everything leaves many feeling stressed and overwhelmed. However, there are some simple steps you can take to slow down and show yourself some grace this holiday season.
Start by prioritizing plans and activities. It is essential not to overschedule yourself and say no to those functions that aren’t conducive to your schedule or traditions. Don’t feel guilty for saying no to things that feel like an obligation rather than a celebration. Consider travel time and costs – if it’s too far or too costly it may not be worth the added pressure.
Set a budget. Financial stress can be overwhelming and knowing how much to spend and on what can alleviate a lot of anxiety around gift giving or holiday hosting. A clique, maybe, but, handmade gifts are often the most treasured and cost effective. One caveat though, handmade gifts will cost you in time. Consider the cost of both time and money to see which option best fits your schedule and budget.
Set realistic expectations. We often have an ideal image or idea around what a holiday looks like. Being mindful of limitations gives us permission to let ourselves off the hook when things aren’t exactly social media ready. Holidays don’t have to be perfect to be magical. Take perfectionism off the table. Remembering what matters most, family, friends, time with loved ones is what matters and what we cherish – it’s ok if the gravy was spilled or the kids are in their pajamas.
With the to-do list looking like an endless chain, it is important to pause and take some time for yourself. Be sure to care for your health and wellness, especially at this time of year. Prioritize sleep, eat a healthy diet, enjoy but be moderate with holiday sweets and libations. Being sure to exercise, eat well, meditate, etc and fill your own cup will reduce stress and overwhelm. Often in our attempt to create magic, we forget to pause and enjoy the magic we are creating, why we are doing it and the we deserve to enjoy the magic for ourselves as well.