It is that time of the year, YES!!! It’s the Holidays; Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Hanukkah! And Merry Christmas!! For most, this is the best time of the year when loved ones come from far and wide to celebrate the holidays and the end of the year as you ring in the new. For some this may be a depressing time, a time they once loved, but because of circumstances and/or tragedy it has never been the same for them and their saddened because of it. For others it is a very stressful time because they pressure themselves and feel pressured by others to organize, piece together, deal with uncompromising individuals, and spend lots of money to continually be the best mother, the best father, the favorite, aunt, the favorite uncle, the dearest grandparents, etc. to pull off the ultimate family holiday celebration. Then there are the few who have never celebrated, never had a reason to, grew up in the extremes of not knowing what all this hoopla is about. So, they might be bothered by the idea, maybe disgruntled at the merriment of others; they are the beloved Grinch in our lives.

 

Regardless of which of these categories you fall into, probably more than one, what will be different this year? Too often we forget the history, our history of why this time of year is celebrated. We have forgotten the meaning behind it and have become mundane. We have become immune to the joy of it and have made it a chore; just crossing things off the list as we go. Just for the sake of changing things up a bit let’s look at the following list of ways to debunk the stress, sadness, and worry of it all:

1. What do you celebrate (find out how it came about)
2. Find out what it means to your family (this will give you a new perspective)
3. In the midst of what you have to do stop and instead do what you want to do
4. Don’t overdo it, find some me time to relax
5. Make a list of what needs to be done and have a family meeting
6. Delegate responsibilities to lessen your load
7. Take only two days out of each week to get things done (prioritize)
8. Make a budget and stick to it (do not over do it to become resentful of how much you spent on gifts)
9. If this is a depressing time for you, do fun things with friends and go out as much as possible during the daytime for sun exposure
10. If you do not celebrate the holidays plan fun activities or finally fulfill your curiosity about a friend’s way of celebrating the holidays by joining them in the celebration

 

 

Most importantly find a way to not seclude yourself from others especially when you feel worse being alone. For those who have lost someone close to them during this time, I give my condolences. I know no words will console you but think about how he or she is during the Holiday season, what was he or she like, what did they usually do to celebrate and celebrate for him or her. Celebrate in honor of their memory and smile through the storm. Happy Holidays to all of you and the very best for the upcoming year! Live, Love, and Laugh often!!

 

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