1. Say no
You don’t have to attend every party. You don’t even have to host your annual party. Make this year your hiatus year. This doesn’t mean you can’t be social. Try instead small doses of quality time with dear friends rather than quantity time with a room full of acquaintances. Or if you can’t resist throwing your much loved sit down dinner, where you do all the work, change it to a potluck or make it a breakfast brunch. And let people help. Too often we get into the habit of throwing the perfect dinner party and holding on to all parts to ensure perfection. But all that efforts can wear you out, leaving you exhausted and often resentful, even though you brought it on yourself. By letting people bring things or help with cleanup, you allow others to feel generous by getting to be of service. So this year, limit yourself to a couple of key events and just stick to it.
2. Give back
The best way to nourish your soul is to give back. Whether it’s volunteering your time working at a soup kitchen, donating gently used winter items to a shelter or getting a group together to pack Christmas gifts to needy kids … the simple act of giving makes you feel better. This is a kind of selfish we can all agree on. There are so many organizations in your community or nationally that you can contact to get you linked with the right charity to help you be of service. Participating in a group charity event is also a great way to combat the loneliness and depression that sadly many experience during the holidays. Getting off the couch and helping someone else in need, is one of the best ways of getting out of your own head and surviving the holidays intact.