Have Yourself A Merry Little…
Image thanks to krow10
Whatever holiday you celebrate this season, it may be sometimes feel like it’s overshadowed by stress.
There is shopping to get done, meals to plan, parties to attend, and family gatherings aplenty.
All of these things can be incredibly rewarding, but they can also leave you feeling run down and out-of-sorts.
But here are a few ideas to help keep you from cursing those sugar plum fairies or drowning your sorrows in too much eggnog.
You may even be able to relax and rejoice…
Play
Don’t forget to have some fun. The holidays are not just about food, gifts, and more food. Reclaim a little bit of joy by making time to play. When is the last time that you bundled up, put on some mittens and built a snow fort? Same goes for sledding, skating, or a good old-fashioned snowball fight. Of course, not all of us live in a winter wonderland, but you can still get out and play a family game of flag football, or hide-and-seek.
Also, parties and family gatherings are the perfect time to pull out everyone’s favorite board games, or to try brand new ones. Or gather everyone around to come up with a theme and decorate some gingerbread cookies. After all, what captures the holiday spirit more than a bunch of pirate snowmen?
Eat
Rather than slaving all day in the kitchen, why not get everyone in on the act. My favorite holiday meals are those in which everyone contributes one of their favorite dishes. This equals less stress, and more variety.
Also, there is absolutely no reason to give up on your healthy habits this time of year. It is easy to find healthy versions of old recipes, or to make sure that you load your plate with as much veggies as you do of everything else. And hey, be sure that allow a little bit of room for indulgence without guilt.
Gift
It makes no sense to give a gift that you can’t afford, or one that you will resent later. Sure, giving gifts feels good, but only if you have the resources to do so. If you have a big family or group of friends, consider drawing names and doing a gift exchange rather than having to get something for everyone. It can be a great stress reliever for everyone involved. You can also opt to give a homemade gift, whether it is something crafty or just delicious baked goods.
Peace
Don’t get so caught up in the hustle and bustle that you forget to take care of yourself. Breathe, exercise, get enough sleep, and make sure that you find a little bit of time just for you.
Wishing you happier holidays!