Plan for a peaceful holiday
season
If your holiday season has become so
busy that it feels more full of work than joy, it's time
to take a step back and reassess your priorities.
The common advice is always to
simplify, but the task of doing so is challenging.
There are people we want to see, gifts we want to give,
and parties we want to attend. And along with a newly
added seasonal 'to-do' list, we still have our
day-to-day responsibilities.
This year, try planning ahead
strategically. Make time to write in a journal,
meditate, or talk with a good friend about what a
peaceful holiday would look like. Here are a few steps
that may help you plan ahead for peace during the
holidays:
1) Review the positive and negative
from years past.
Give yourself some time to arrive at
insight. Admitting that you have a tendency to over-do
it or that, every year, you inevitably end up planning
to do more than you actually achieve can help you get a
better sense of whether your unconscious habits are
getting in your way.
2) Talk it over with a friend or
your spouse.
Many things we believe we have to do
are actually bound up more in a sense of responsibility
than joy. Admit that to yourself, and make use of an
objective listener to help you evaluate when you are
making thoughtful choices versus just fulfilling a role
you think you have to play.
3) Make a calendar of commitments, a
full “would like to do” list, and strategic cuts.
Once you’ve written everything out,
go through it critically. Must you do everything this
year? Could some things be reserved for another
holiday? Could you pass on certain social obligations
or commit to doing them next year? Your goal should be
to have time to fully enjoy the people around you and
the events you thoughtfully choose to attend.
4) Schedule a certain amount of time
every day, just for you.
Even if it’s only 5 minutes in the
morning or evening, commit yourself to finding a quiet
place where you can be alone to do deep breathing,
stretching or writing that will support you in releasing
some of the stress that goes along with the season.
The one person you want to be able to
count on during the holidays is yourself. By admitting
challenges, planning for success, setting clear limits
and making time to relax, you’ll give yourself and your
family the gift of more peace this season.
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