The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR! PART ONE

I think it is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!  But I will not kid you, it can also be one of the most stressful times of the year too.  Just thinking about meeting the high expectations of the holiday may already be making you feel anxious. 

First of all, close your eyes and breathe.  Take a deep breath.  It’s going to be okay.  I have a few tips to help you make your way through.  This holiday season can be whatever you want it to be.  It is a clean slate.  You choose how you want this Christmas to be.

FIRST – DO A MIND SWEEP

Jot down everything that is bouncing around your head for the holidays – NOW.  Sometimes we can find ourselves getting worried and anxious about something, but if we would just take a moment and think about it, you will find it is nothing at all.  It will help you, if you make a few lists, what gifts to buy, what gifts to make, parties you are invited to.  Put it down on paper. Then you can have a clear path to conquering.

SECOND: GIVING OF GIFTS

SET A BUDGET

Talk About It.  One way to keep the “ghost of Christmas past” from haunting your credit card statements and your thoughts is to create a realistic spending limit for the Christmas season.  Think about travel expenses, extra meals and any new year expenditures also.

WHO IS ON YOUR LIST?

Make a list of who you will be giving gifts to.  Keep in mind your budget and jot down how much you can spend for each gift. If your budget is tight this year, don’t be afraid to take cost-cutting measures. For example, you could give one gift per family instead of one to each individual.

GET CREATIVE

You don’t have to buy your presents from the shopping mall. Baked goods and handmade crafts can be budget-friendly and memorable.

THIRD: EXTENDED FAMILY

VISITING THE IN-LAWS

It is going to happen.  You have your family and then there are your other family members.  Let’s be honest it can be tough.  You may be even thinking, “Why?”  Well, the “Why” is because it is the season for us to share joy – even when you don’t feel like it. In fact, you may find yourself facing a difficult family gathering situation.  You may not know how to handle it or what to do.  Well, it is not all about you. When you are faced with a tough decision, what will you do?  Think it through ahead of time.  Not in the sense of reliving old memories, but thinking about how your words and actions can change the situation in a positive way.

DISAGREEMENTS – TALK ABOUT IT

Disagreements with or about your in-laws can cause rifts in your relationship. Because of this, there may be times that you feel threatened or defensive.  Understand that your spouse may feel the same way.  The best thing to do is to communicate with each other – ahead of time – how you will handle situations you may face. Have a plan.

CAN’T GO HOME FOR CHRISTMAS – COMMUNICATE AHEAD OF TIME

Waiting until the Christmas season to announce that you’re not planning to attend Christmas dinner can create disappointment and add resentment in your family members or in-laws. Plan your holiday schedule in advance and communicate about your plans.

I have more of my holiday insight to share with you in The Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Part 2.

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