Keeping “the holidays” simple

“The Holidays”

Do those two little words make your body tighten with fear and a sense of impending doom?

Do chills immediately run up and down your spine?

How will you get everything done?

Decorating, shopping, wrapping, baking, holiday parties.

Wasn’t this the year you were going to give some “hand-made” gifts?

Maybe you thrive on the adrenaline rush of leaving everything until the last minute.  No worries.

Maybe this is the year you are going to “simplify”.

Maybe you are one of those amazing/crazy people that have all your gifts purchased and wrapped by Thanksgiving.  Big kudos to you then!

Those two little words can turn the month of December upside down and even though it’s supposed to be the most beautiful, peaceful time of the year, it can leave us spinning.  Literally and figuratively.  And I didn’t even mention the family drama.  Although you’ve got to admit, some good stories do usually come from those gatherings.

Anywho…I’m not here to bring you down.

I’m here to help.  

What can you do to get through December and maintain some sense of sanity while still enjoying “the season”?

Wine?

Aspirin?

More Wine?

Well, yes, yes and yes but there are a few other things you can do to help you get through this “festive” season and still maintain some level of sanity.

Think about the things that are on your “to do” list and what you can and cannot control.

You have to attend your child’s Christmas program.

You do  not have to attend every holiday party and networking mixer you are invited to this year.

Narrow it down.  Pick your favorite and RSVP.  Pick your least favorite (or two) and give yourself permission to skip it this year.

Are you the “Queen of the Beautifully Wrapped Packages”?  

Do you love it or are  you doing it because “everyone just loves them”?

If you love it, keep doing it and savor the moments.  If it’s just adding to your stress level, YOU are in control.  Two words. Gift. Bags. They are still beautiful and quick and easy.

I give you permission to create a new tradition.

Here’s one more.

Cookies.  Do you bake ten different kinds because you’ve always done it and everyone expects you to carry on the tradition?  Do you love it? If your answer is yes..then keep it going. If you’ve just about had enough of chopped nuts, flower and maraschino cherries, then it’s time to take control. Some other options are to turn it over to another willing family member, pick your favorite two or buy a few dozen from your local bakery.  Boom. Done!

Take a look at that list again.  Think about what you can eliminate, delegate and/or simplify this year.

It’s not going to be anyone’s worst Christmas ever because they missed out on a chocolate chip cookie, got their gift in a pretty bag or didn’t get a Christmas card from you this year. It’s OKAY!

Even though it’s the time to give and be grateful, you can still do that without making yourself crazy.

Let December be the beautiful time of year that it’s meant to be.

It’s time to celebrate and enjoy your family and friends.

It’s the relationships that matter not the material things.  

And a little wine doesn’t hurt either!

 

 

 

 

P.S. As my holiday gift to you, I created a new Freebie to help you get through the holidays.  (Sorry, I don’t know how to attach a bottle of wine to the blog post).  It’s a holiday worksheet to help you sort out what you enjoy most and what you enjoy least.  Once you see it in writing, it’s easier to delegate, eliminate and simply!  Just follow this link to download your Freebie!

P.P.S.  The 2016 Year of Clarity Calendar is HERE!

Click THIS Link to Get Yours Today!