Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, hanging up the lights, over the river and through the woods, parties here-parties there, rockin' around the Christmas Tree, and five golden rings! You know the songs and you know the hustle and bustle that takes place during these 6 weeks we call the Holiday Season. It is a time of laughter, cheerfulness, celebration, shopping, family, friends, good food, parties, lights, great music, thankfulness and giving. And yet...with all these wonderful things to enjoy, the season also can bring stress, depression and ba-humbugness.
I would like to propose a possible solution to this "just surviving" the Holiday Season in hopes that you can make it the best Holiday Season yet, with many more to follow in it's footsteps. As you prepare for the blizzard of events about to happen, be prepared and ask yourself (and Answer) the following questions:
List your top 5 for each
1. Things that I would make Me happy this holiday?
2. Things I don't want to do?
3. People I would like to spend time with?
4. Ways I would like to take care of myself?
5. Things I would like to do for others?
6. If I could do anything for the holiday, what would I do? What's Stopping you?
Spend a few minutes with yourself and really decide how you would like to have your holiday go rather than letting all the "Stuff" take control. Feel the power in yourself as you make decisions for yourself and an Action Plan on how to enjoy and not just survive the holidays.
Know that as you do this it may involve not following long held traditions, family routines, and so forth. As you move forward take into mind that others may not be so fond of your new found holiday freedom and may even be a bit disgruntled or offended. Remember to take their feelings into mind and let them kindly know it's not about them. Let them know you respect where they are at and that you are choosing to honor your own feelings this year in order to bring the actual feelings of peace, joy, love and laughter into your own life this season.
In saying this, there may be people you know choosing to make changes in their plans as well...remember to respect their feelings and not badger them for bucking tradition. Rather, ask what they are doing to bring joy into their lives and holiday season. You will get much further than badgering and the relationship will grow, and the energy from the respect factor will be enough to light the Christmas tree all on its own. What could be jollier than that?
So hang those stocking, trim the tree and sip some hot cocoa by the firelight with your friends and loved ones with peace in your heart, knowing you are in drivers seat of your own Holiday Cheer.
Have a merry time enjoying All the Holiday Season brings and take it with you as you move into a new year and let your life be forever changed, for the better, because you took 5 minutes to decide and act on what makes You happy.
We would like to hear about your changes, you never know how it may inspire others to do the same. Also, for some fun holiday ideas, remember local religious and community groups performing this season, as well as local charitable groups who could use volunteers (Santa can always use a few more helpers). Please share other fun ways to enjoy the season.
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