Holiday Survival Guide
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Or is it?
In New York City, it has become very obvious that the holiday season is in full swing. Every building you pass is decked out with beautiful decorations, the massive Christmas trees throughout the city have been lit, there is some sort of holiday event happening every hour of every day, and it is nearly impossible to walk along Fifth Avenue without wanting to push someone over.
The holidays are not all pure festive happiness as is often portrayed in Hallmark movies (no judgment - they are my ultimate guilty pleasure!) There are too many social obligations, complicated family dynamics, the stress of trying to get a gift for everyone on your list, and a pressure to make everything “perfect.”
Whether this is your favorite time of the year or you find yourself relating more and more to the Grinch, keep reading for some practical tips to help you make it through the holidays
Say no. In spite of what it may seem like, you actually do not have to say yes to every single invitation. Figure out which things you really want to go to and only say yes to those - with the caveat that there might be a couple things that you do not want to attend but probably should. Having some empty space on your calendar is not a bad thing and will make anything you choose to end more meaningful.
Schedule me time. It is important to have some alone time or time to do the things that matter to you. Whether it is fitting in a workout, reading a book, or just taking a walk, ensure that you are leaving enough time for yourself and your needs. It will help you to get through the holidays feeling a little less stressed and exhausted.
Keep your habits. The temptation to eat and drink your way through December is very high, but it is also a good way to feel pretty awful come January. You have probably heard me say this before but I suggest picking one healthy habit that you will stick to no matter what comes up throughout the next few weeks. It can help to ground you and release the holiday season free for all.
Make time for what you enjoy. What are the one or two holiday traditions that you really enjoy? Maybe it is baking cookies with your mom or taking your kids to see Christmas lights or watching a special movie. Whatever it is, make sure that you are actually making time for it and keeping the traditions that matter to you.
Let go of perfection. Even if it might feel otherwise, the holidays are not a contest to see who can have the most beautiful pictures on social media. I know for me, and for most people, the special and memorable moments usually involve spending time with friends and family doing simple things or having something go terribly wrong and laughing about it together. So let go of the need to go to all the latest and greatest events and take the best picture in perfectly coordinated outfits, and instead embrace the messiness that is real life.
Focus on what matters. For all the glitz, glamor, and gift giving associated with the holidays, the things that really matter are so much simpler. It is about spending time with the people you love and enjoying the fact that it really is a magical time of year. Slow down and focus on what the season is really about.
Have boundaries. This could probably be its own post, but I will keep it short and simple - it is okay to have some boundaries. And (lovingly) enforce those boundaries. Whether it is not participating in some events, asking your family to not discuss certain topics, or choosing to not indulge in indulgent foods, figure out the things that you need to stay sane throughout the season, and communicate them in a polite, but firm way.
