Listen to this episode on the Pgh Dreamer’s Pod

At the end of October, I told myself that this year would be different. I wouldn’t wait til 1 week before holiday break to wrap gifts or spend most weekends leading up to the big day filling it with events.

Well, I managed to fulfill 50% of this goal – I didn’t spend every HOUR of every weekend doing the holiday things – but I’m definitely just now checking my inventory and sitting down to wrap. Oh, and the regular day-to-day hasn’t slowed down much.

But how do you honestly maintain your priorities over the holidays without turning into the Grinch?

Here is a short list of tips to not lose your holly jolly spirit:

1. Write things down. I’m sure you have a laundry list of people to buy for, cookies to bake, and places to go. Jotting down what you bought and for whom is a great start. Then make a grocery list based on the recipes so you have everything you need when ready. Last, write down your plans on the calendar, including the start times, so you know what’s coming.
2. Say ‘yes’ to things that bring you joy and ‘no’ to things that don’t. If a holiday lunch with your coworkers doesn’t sound like the best use of your precious time, politely decline. Furthermore, if traveling 6 hours to visit your great-great aunt that you haven’t seen in 3 years seems overwhelming, settle for a call or sending a holiday card. Spend the little hours you have only doing what makes you happy.
3. Don’t fill every hour of every day. Leave spare time to rest and recuperate. Better yet, snuggle under a blanket, watch a movie, and enjoy a hot beverage – no guilt.
4. Don’t live up to anyone’s expectations but your own. If keeping kids healthily fed, a clean house, and the laundry folded have gone by the wayside this season, so be it. If you aren’t decorating like you used to or gifting like you have in years previous, oh well. You are in total control of the expectations set for yourself and the people around you.
5. Savor the excitement of the season. While the retail stores have you excited for the holidays months in advance these days, in the grand scheme of things, the thrill only lasts for a short time. Take a moment and breathe in the crisp air, spend time with the ones you love, and indulge in some true holiday cheer.