I’m there! You know that place during the Christmas season when you realize the season’s activities have taken over your usual routine? I seem to have arrived earlier this year!
You will be there soon, if you are not already. So how in the world do we get it all done? I have three tips to help you get the most out of your holiday season while keeping track of your life.
- Prioritize. I know, I know. You already have your priorities in place. However, I recommend that you review your expectations of yourself and create a temporary seasonal priority list. There are many extra items on your to do list right now. Shopping, wrapping gifts, decorating, extra cooking, parties, special programs. The list can go on and on. How can you modify your regular priority list to encompass these additional activities? Take that list down to the bare bones. Maybe you can let that extra house cleaning wait until January. Business often slows down at the end of the year. Perhaps you can take some time off work to get the shopping and wrapping done. Make the necessary adjustments so you can enjoy the Christmas activities this year.
- Be Present. It is always important to live in the moment and appreciate the experience. With the added stress, it may be more difficult during this season. I recall times when I attended a Christmas gathering and foremost on my mind was that now I could check this one off my list. That is not the way to enjoy the holidays! Remain aware of what you are doing and who you are with. Treasure those moments you get to spend with special friends and family.
- Focus on Others. Don’t make this Christmas about you – your desires, your stressors, your enjoyment. Instead, do your best to make this season special for someone else. Your family, children, friends. Or, maybe look for unique ways to help people who may be struggling. Anonymously pay for a meal or pay off a layaway account for someone. Spend time with the elderly and shut-ins.
Yes, we may have some catching up to do after the new year arrives. But those special memories will more than make up for it.
Are you there yet? Enjoy Christmas this year and you will live . . . your life to the fullest!
