“Holidays Reminder: we don’t have to continue holiday traditions that leave us broke, overwhelmed, and tired.” ~Rachel Jonat
“Take a break and chill because this is the time of the year to rejoice, celebrate and also feel rewarded.” ~Unknown
Hi Diamonds! Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays from my heart to yours. Wow, this year has really flown by, here we are in mid-December and the cold and frost is in the air. So much goes on in this month, like year-end reflections, celebrations of your accomplishments as well as celebrating others, and the best of all Christmas! All of the planning, decorating, holiday parties and gatherings, gift shopping, baking, cooking, gift wrapping, traveling, house guests, family togetherness and so much more.
This time of the year also tends to become extremely active, busy, and full of interruptions and distractions, including task overload; all while attempting to maintain your work – life balance. So with that said, are you finding that you are stretched thin and overloaded with all of the holiday festivities? If this is you (or someone you know) I’ve got a few ideas that can help you let go and unwind.
Delegate and Trust Things Will Get Done
Share the responsibilities by delegating some things. When you look at what the holidays can bring upon you it can be overwhelming. Sometimes many begin stressing about what needs to be done well before the month even arrives and with doing that they’ve already hindered their joy by stressing, is this you? How could you plan your holiday festivities by involving all hands on deck and allocate various responsibilities to other family members and friends? Don’t assume that others would not enjoy helping out and doing their part in making the holiday celebration a joyous one for everyone present. Delegate and trust that things will get done and the festivities will unfold beautifully. Take a deep breath and allow the new team experience to lighten your load. You may never choose to do it all alone again seeing how invigorating you’ll feel letting go and sharing the responsibilities.
Celebrate Your Heart Way
Do what’s meaningful and heartfelt for you. There are far too many times where we may go above and beyond with holiday festivities. Does this sound like you? You want to make sure everything is perfect, from the right gifts, the gourmet spread, appetizers, a spotless home, and lavish décor, you name it; all for the pleasure of others and their thoughts and opinions. Yes, you enjoy these things too, however, the amount of undue pressure and stress you bring upon yourself, health, and sanity during this time of year is not worth it but you do it anyway, and you find it takes the joy out of the season, only to be left with cleaning it all up in the end. So, honestly, what is really meaningful and heartfelt for you during the holiday season?
How can you do the minimum and still bring joy and peace to you and others around you? Do what makes you happy, calm, and joyous. One way is by remembering and recalling what the holiday seasons are all about. They were never intended to make you stressed out, anxious, get in financial debt, exhausted, frustrated, and stretched thin and overwhelmed. However, the holiday season is about love, joy, generosity, gratitude, appreciation and the most important of all Jesus is the reason for the season. Celebrate your heart way and feel the true joy in the process.
Gift Yourself With What Brings You Joy
Give yourself permission to let go and unwind with some tender loving self-care and self-compassion. There is no need to do what everyone else is doing or expect you to do. Hold your needs and desires close and guard them intentionally. If you find the hustle and bustle of the holidays becoming too much and overwhelming, pause, pull back, get still and think about what’s best for you at this time. Be intentional by giving yourself permission to let go and unwind. Gift yourself a day to do whatever your heart desires for you. Gift yourself with a “disconnect day”. In a nutshell, gift yourself with what brings you joy. The choice is yours – give yourself the same loving care and compassion you’ll give to a loved one or best friend.
Questions to Ponder:
What makes you feel overloaded during the holidays? How can you change that?
What is the single, most meaningful change you can make right now, when it comes to holiday festivities?
Best Wishes,
Tracy Diamond