This time of year is not for amateurs.
In America, it all begins with Thanksgiving. It’s is one of the best holidays, right? You get to cook, eat and sleep… then follow it up with dessert. How much better can it get?
Safe to say, however, there are hazards involved… Thanksgiving is just a warmup.
For those who don’t have the advantage of a warmup holiday, be careful you might pull a muscle.
Do you know what I mean? I think you do.
Could you use a few survival strategies?
These are a few I try to remember…
First things first. Get some rest, then stay rested.
This is the best strategy you can follow. Sure, you can grind through here and there. But, after a day or two you’ll be in negative territory. It’s just the way our bodies and brains work.
You can’t cheat the equation. It may feel like you can, but that’s just because you’re tired.
After you’re all rested, commit to cut yourself some slack.
Then… cut everyone else at least twice as much because they won’t be using these strategies. Instead, they’ll be following rules that are founded in some long worn-out tradition. Most of these no longer work.
No, I’m not Scrooging-out. I love traditions… I look forward to them each year. Most of them, that is. The first strategy to a happy and fulfilling season is to recognize those that aren’t working and substitute something else that does.
On the flipside, keep your family traditions alive while you can.
They may not be possible someday. Then some well-meaning family member will try and force it. And that never works. Never.
Here’s the first non-negotiable… You can do anything, but you can’t do everything. Give yourself permission to not get everything done… because you won’t. So, don’t beat yourself up.
By the way, this mindset helps year-round.
Keep in mind WHY you’re doing this in the first place.
Remind yourself again why you’re doing this and why it’s important. It’s supposed to make you and yours feel happy, generous and grateful. Adjust accordingly.
It’s not a competition. It’s not a game. And it’s definitely not a race.
Stay focused on the good parts so you won’t be distracted by the grumps and occasional jerk. Nothing much can be done about them.
Take a break. No, really take a break… lots of them.
Even if it’s only fifteen minutes. A walk around the neighborhood does wonders. Volunteer to be the one who runs to the store for more ice or another sixer.
The same strategy applies to small groups… get them out of the house, even if it’s just some of them. Always remember… we need to get, and keep, our ya-yas out.
Make sure where you’re going is where you want to go.
There’s no law that says you have to go home for the holidays… especially if you’re going to be miserable. If you can’t not go, then keep it short. It’s okay to minimize contact with someone… don’t try to fake it. Faking it doesn’t change anything and it burns a lot of mental fuel.
Set realistic expectations.
Practice your exit lines. Nothing like a good exit line when you’re stuck with freaky Aunt Ethyl by the punch bowl. Seriously, practice them. You’ll thank me.
Chip in… whenever you spot the need.
You hear they’re low on OJ? The only answer is “I’ll go get it!”
It’s an opportunity for a priceless time-out. You get a break, and they’ll get a break from you too (yes, they need that). Plus, it just feels good. It’s the season, right?
Take some time to see people you haven’t seen in a while. Reach out to old friends.
Keep an eye out for a friend who might be struggling.
Holidays can be wonderful, and holidays can be rough. For many, they amplify what’s wrong. It’s okay to ask if they’re okay. Be there for someone who needs someone.
Also recognize that some folks wear their holidays on their sleeves. It’s everything to them. They want it to be perfect. Whether you take it to extremes or not, many do. It’s important to them. Keep your radar up, tread lightly and play along as much as you can.
Help keep the mood light.
Always remember, keep the spirit light. There’s fun to be had. Keep tabs on your sense of humor. Promote the laughter and good cheer. Laugh whenever you can.
Look inward too, with the right perspective on the holidays you’ll be able to laugh at yourself too!
Visit your notes from last year if you need to. Go in eyes wide open.
Seriously. Do it now before it’s too late? You’ll do fine…
So, how do you survive?
What’s your go-to strategy for keeping your Merry Merry?
Be untucked.
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