During the months of November and December, many of us attend a number of holiday occasions. They’re meant to bring loved ones together from near and far to enjoy one another’s company, celebrate religious traditions, delight in wonderful food and immerse ourselves in all-around merriment. With so much going on, it’s important to plan ahead to ensure the holiday season will be all you want it to be.
- Make a list and check it twice!
If you are hosting a holiday gathering, first decide what you want it to be and what you want to do. Once you select a date and time, work backwards and make a list of all the preparations you’ll need to complete – and be sure to make a list of responsibilities you can delegate to others who’ll be attending. Most people genuinely enjoy contributing to a holiday gathering, so don’t be shy. Remember, “many hands make light work”.
- Create a budget and stick with it.
Be realistic about how much you can afford to spend during the holiday season without draining your bank account or maxing out your credit cards. When it comes to gift giving keep the old adage “it’s the thought that counts” in mind. The giving of yourself and your time as well as being kind can be the greatest gift of all.
- Maintain your daily health and wellness routine.
Just because the holidays are here, don’t throw caution to the wind. With added personal responsibilities and a busy social calendar, getting enough exercise, sleep and relaxation is more important than ever. We tend to consume higher calorie foods and beverages during the holidays which may lead to weight gain. Take a mindful approach to holiday engagements with an eye toward healthier food, beverage and dessert choices. Make the effort to schedule a bit of “me time” for stretching, cardio, strength training or whatever you enjoy — especially on the days of social engagements.
There’s another old adage, “You can please some of the people all the time and you can please all of the people some of the time, but you cannot please all of the people all of the time.” Consider this and be realistic before setting goals and expectations for yourself and others.
Cheers to enjoying a less stressful and more joyful holiday season!
