Some Christmas Thoughts

Not my thoughts, but some actually make sense.

Hints for Having a Healthy, Happy Holiday Season

Do not take responsibility for everyone else’s holiday happiness! Delegate or divide the work among those with whom you will be sharing the holidays. Don’t rescue, if someone fails to carry out their part, let them find their own solutions and let them deal with the consequences. Don’t take on the responsibility for other people’s attitudes.

Do not reinforce whining behavior by paying attention to it. Don’t let someone else’s stress become your stress.

View any task you take on as a choice you have made. Attitude makes a difference. “I choose to…” rather than “I have to…”

Work at staying in the moment. Don’t worry about tomorrow’s tasks today. Give positive attention to the tasks before you at the moment.

Eliminate a sense of competition. The holidays are not a contest.

Do not be seduced by your own or other’s traditions. Do a “traditions inventory” to see if they are still valid, fit the need and are enjoyable. Be willing to release out-of-date traditions and build new ones. Don’t impose your traditions on others or allow their traditions to be imposed on you.

Give yourself gifts. Nurture yourself. Be a little selfish.

Do things with your family and friends that you can all enjoy. Don’t pretend to be enthusiastic. Look for alternative activities that everyone will enjoy.

Refuse to be lonely, even if you are alone. You can choose what you think and experience. Again, nurture yourself. Remember that doing is an antidote for depression. Look for those places that need you – hospitals, nursing homes, group homes, jails, etc.

Do not overspend. Avoid setting yourself up for “future stress” when the bills come in. Use your imagination to come up with meaningful gifts that say, “I’m thinking of YOU and who YOU are.” Remember love does not come with a price tag or designer label.

Get rid of all the things you dislike about the holidays. Choose your activities and the manner in which you celebrate. Give yourself permission to eliminate things that are a burden or a bother (even Christmas trees, sending cards and family dinners).

Avoid self-defeating habits. You know those things that are harmful to your health and well-being. Do not overeat. Do not drink too much. Get enough rest.

Give yourself time to remember and celebrate the true meaning of the holidays. Read familiar stories. Listen to music. Participate in holiday services if that is appropriate for you.

Take time to remember what is important

List three essential things that will make your holiday season a special experience and concentrate your energy on them.

Do what you enjoy, avoid the tyranny of “should.”

Take care of you
Eat and drink wisely.
Exercise regularly.
Make time to relax.
Get a massage or take a hot bath.

Simplify your celebration
Establish realistic time and money budgets and stick to them.
Scale your gift-giving so it is in line with your resources, values and beliefs.
If you are having a party in your home, consider hiring a maid for the pre-and post-party clean-up.
Do not put unreasonable pressure on yourself to do everything perfectly.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, share responsibility for making the holiday season happen. Ask for help.
Remain tuned to your emotions
Spend some time alone and make time for meditation or relaxation.
Extend love and joy to others – and be open to receiving as well.
Try to judge yourself and others less.
Let things happen rather than make them happen. Remain flexible.
Know that there will be delays, frustrations and disappointments.
Use waiting time to relax and revitalize yourself.
Share any feelings of sadness and discuss how to make the holiday season less painful.
Laugh more.

Help others
Look for ways to give of yourself this season.
Get involved in charitable community programs.
Involve someone else in your holiday celebrations.