PREPARING FOR THE HOLIDAYS : HO HO HO ??? OR BAH HUMBUG
Hohoho ??? or bah humbug !
PREPARING FOR THE HOLIDAYS : HO HO HO ??? OR BAH HUMBUG
BY : KATHY PAAUW
Some of my clients dread the holiday season because it often represents stress , pressure , expectations , guilt , disappointment , pain , loneliness , exhaustion ... and the list goes on . This is a choice . We choose who we spend time with . We choose what activities we say yes and no to . We choose where we go .
Your holiday season can be as simple or as elaborate as you choose to make it , and it can be a lot of fun if you plan accordingly . Take some time this week to think about what ’ s most important to you this season , and then do a little planning . Here are some suggestions to help .
==> Create a list of holiday rituals that are important to you . Seek your family ’ s input on holiday decisions . Ask family members what they liked and disliked about last year ’ s holidays . Write down the most important elements and activities you wish to include this year , and plan to make it happen .
Keeping time-consuming and irrelevant traditions or rituals “ just because we ’ ve always done it that way ” can increase stress . Keep only those traditions that have meaning to you , or create some new ones . Give yourself permission to be in the moment and enjoy the smells , sounds , feel , and tastes that are unique to this season of the year .
==> Make a list of those you want to spend time with during the holidays . Who nourishes you ? Who are the family members , friends , and colleagues you enjoy being with ? Do you want to do any entertaining ? If so , when and with whom ?
Plan ahead and ask for help if you want it . True friends and loved ones will not care how many hours you slaved over the stove . Spending time with you is what they ’ ll cherish most . You don ’ t have to be Martha Stewart to throw a great party .
Are you invited to holiday parties that you really don ’ t want to go to , but you ’ ve gone in the past because you should ? Be at choice -- don ’ t play the victim ! This is not about whom you should see , but rather whom you choose to spend time with .
==> Mail your greeting cards , holiday letters , and packages early . Some time-saving tips : Write a short holiday letter that covers the highlights ; copy it on holiday paper and add a note at the end to personalize it . Make a collage of pictures to photocopy on the back side of the letter .
Use self-adhesive return labels . These labels are inexpensive and often come with festive holiday designs . One great online source for these is Walter Drake at http :// www . wdrake . com . Colorful Images is another source . They can be reached at 800-458-7999 .