If you don’t celebrate Christmas, substitute whichever holiday you do celebrate. And even if you don’t celebrate any of the various special days happening around this time of year, hopefully you still enjoy some of the atmosphere all around us. After all, it’s a happy time, and everyone is in a good mood.
Or are they? This year I’m finding that people are not particularly enjoying their Decembers. I see it every day in my day job. People are a little cranky, complaining about minor things, being a little more demanding, a little more unreasonable. It’s the same out in the world. Drivers beeping behind you. People being inconsiderate in stores. It can be a bit of a downer.
Some things about the holidays are stressful. I get it. I can understand mixed feelings regarding shopping, and gift-buying. I can even understand not enjoying all the work involved in decorating, baking, cooking But I hope you can find something to enjoy about the holidays. Maybe you’re finding it hard to be Merry this year. With just one week left to the Holiday that I celebrate, I have been thinking about how I can make the most of this time to remember the good things about this time of year; to celebrate without making myself crazy, and to create memories. I thought I would share my thoughts with you on ways to make this season more enjoyable.
Relax
It will all work out in the end. Hopefully you’ve never had a bad Christmas. I’m happy to say I haven’t. Your holiday won’t suffer if there’s one less decoration, one less batch of Christmas cookies, one less stocking stuffer. So take these last few days to go easy on yourself. It’s okay to say no, to sit down with your family and watch a sappy movie, to just decide that you’re done shopping.
Make the tasks more fun
If there are still a few things that you really must do, think about how you can make it more fun. This could mean grabbing a friend when shopping, baking or wrapping. If crowds bother you, try shopping later at night when it will be more peaceful. Put on some music that makes you happy, grab your favorite beverage while wrapping. These tasks can be just another chore, but throw in some company, music, maybe a little eggnog, and it can be an enjoyable experience.
Simplify the gift giving
Lately I’ve been giving experiences as gifts to my family members. This year my mom will get a certificate for “dinner and a movie” that I will treat her to in the future, and my daughter is getting a day of lunch and shopping for a new coat. One bonus: We get to spend time together! I didn’t have to leave the house for these gifts and I spent about 2 minutes typing up a cute certificate. Another bonus: I put off the expense of the gift to a future date which makes my Christmas spending a little lighter.
Enjoy the Lights
Start in your own house. You likely have a Christmas tree or hanging lights, maybe even some outside decorations. Position your chair so you have a good view, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and just sit and look at some lights. There are many spots now to go and view spectacular light displays, and these are fun and a good way for some family time. But it’s not necessary to spend money. Hop in the car and drive around town to view some great lighting. I belong to a local Facebook group that posts impressive displays, so when we set out I usually have some addresses at the ready. You can probably locate something similar for your area.
Spend some casual time with friends
The parties are great and we have a couple that we attend every year. I look forward to them and they’re always a lot of fun. But a casual get together can be just as rejuvenating. My besties and I recently got together at a restaurant with very little notice and it was a great time. No one had to cook or prepare anything. While we were together there were no obligations or to-do lists, just love and laughter with people who make you feel good.
Spend some time alone
It’s ok to be alone and just. . . do nothing. Grab a book, a cup of tea, take a bath, whatever works for you to decompress. This weekend I had a busy day of shopping and cooking and knew I needed to get ready to attend a party, but I just needed a half hour or so to wind down. I grabbed my book and climbed into my bed and just escaped into a world where I didn’t need to do, or worry about, anything. Just 30 minutes and I was ready to jump in the shower and tackle the rest of my day and evening. Avoid the phone or other devices. You probably already know that scrolling is not the best way to wind down.
Listen to music
I know not everyone loves Christmas music, but I do. I find the radio station that starts playing it as soon as possible and I’ve got it on in the car through November and December. If you don’t care for it, or get sick of it after a couple of weeks, listen to any music. If you need to relax, put on something mellow, and if you need a pick me up, put on something more upbeat. Grab someone in your family and take turns picking songs. My kids and I have recently been buying some vinyl, so we listen to that together. Music is such a healing medium.
Prepare a Healthy Meal
The holidays are filled with treats and sweets and intricate, heavy foods. And it’s delicious! But it you’ve been trying to eat healthier, it can be a little and you may suffer from the “morning after” regrets. So prepare a light, healthy meal that will get you back on track and make you feel better about the cheat events you already had and have yet to come.
Pass it On
The good feeling I mean. Maybe you helped someone less fortunate this holiday season. If so, stop for a moment to reflect on that. Someone’s holiday is more enjoyable because of your thoughtfulness. If you had been thinking about it participating in a giving program but time got away from you and it didn’t happen, there are still ways to help. It’s probably too late to buy gifts for a struggling family for Christmas, but there are needs all year long. Drop some food off to a food pantry or find a good program in your local town that you can get involved with after the new year. And being kind doesn’t have to involve material things. A smile, a kind word, a compliment can also make someone’s day. A phone call to a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while. A handwritten Christmas card, or note. I know most people don’t send Christmas cards in the mail any more–I haven’t for years–but the handful that I received this year did brighten my day. These small gestures will not only brighten the day of someone else, but will also make your day more enjoyable as well.
I hope you enjoy the rest of your Holiday Season!
F Words that are not 4 Letters 