Now that Thanksgiving is over, the countdown for Hanukkah and Christmas is well underway. The winter holidays come at us fast and furious with little breathing room.
Perhaps your mixture of excitement and anticipation quickly gets overshadowed with stress. The long list of what you need to do comes scrolling out of your brain, your ears get hot remembering who will show up to Christmas dinner and you realize you don’t have the money to buy gifts for everyone.
1. No “shoulds”.
Partake in the traditions that feed your soul not drain it. Ask yourself, “Am I doing this because we enjoy it and cherish it or because it is something we have always done?” Removing SHOULD from your vocabulary during the Holiday Season allows more room for enjoyment.
2. Do one thing a day.
Do one thing a day that makes you smile and fills your soul. Whether it’s sitting down and drinking your tea while it’s hot and listening to seasonal music or lighting the “saved” candle while reading a book that inspires, do the thing that warms your heart. Fifteen minutes with a good book, intentional quiet or a delicious treat carries you through the busyness with a lighter heart—not to mention a full cup.
3. Breathe.
Pause between activities and demands in your day to inhale and exhale. Even one, big, deep breath refuels you so imagine what three could do. Your breath is your touchstone which brings you to neutral and into the present moment.
4. Less is more.
Take one thing off of your “To Do” list. Cross it off before it’s even done. Whether it’s making one less dish and delegating it to someone else or buying one less gift.
5. Find the joy.
Ask yourself. “What brings me joy for each holiday?” Then put that thing on the top of your list and be present to it when you are doing it instead of worrying about or anticipating the next thing.
Source: YourTango.com