Christmas Stress or Christmas Joy? Top 9 Ways to Have the Best Christmas Holidays Ever

 

The Christmas holiday season is already upon us. And with it comes the hope that this one will be magical especially after the year that we have had!

 

Many of us quickly get bogged down in busyness, stress and old patterns.

• Wanting to balance time between work, rest and play.
• Feeling that I am too busy, too tired, that there is too much preparation.
• Deciding on what presents to buy for my loved ones.
• Spending money that feels tight and wanting to be more generous than I am.
• Eating and drinking too much at Christmas and New Year’s and putting on extra weight.
  

 

Get Clear and Choose Differently 

Give yourself a moment to become really clear on what it is that stresses you about this holiday season. There is so much more peace in awareness because then you can choose to do something different.

 

Here are 9 ways to turn that dynamic around and create the magic.

• 1. Give yourself a break. Perfection—even perfect happiness—just isn’t possible. Let your best be good enough. Make a budget for both your time and your money—and stick to it. It really is the thought that counts.
• 2. Make conscious decisions. Get clear about what you really want to do over the holidays before compromising with others. If you don’t have a clear plan and clear intentions, you might find yourself getting swept along by others’ desires. Even if you compromise later, get clear first.
• 3. Shorten your to-do list. What do the holidays mean to you? For many, it’s about family and friends and spirituality. If an item doesn’t add to your holiday spirit, scratch it off.
• 4. Say no when you want to. It’s very liberating. Try it and see. It sounds simple, but too often obligation trumps desire. When faced with options, choose the one that would make you happier. If you can’t avoid certain events, limit the time you’re there.
• 5. Take good care of yourself. The old standards help keep stress at bay: eat healthfully, exercise, drink lots of water, and breathe deeply. Schedule time for relaxation and fun.
• 6. Start early. To avoid a last-minute frenzy that can bust your budget, start shopping or making presents now. I think I missed this one this year!!! 
• 7. Ask for help. Reject any notion of martyrdom. The burden of preparations should not fall upon one person. The more specific you are in your request, the more successful you’ll be.
• 8. Establish new traditions. If you have experienced a major life-changing event, such as a death or divorce, consider doing something you’ve never done before over the holidays, such as travel to another country or take a cruise
• 9. Get support. If a glorious holiday season feels completely out of reach, you may experience the holiday blues. Many people do. Don’t beat yourself up for feeling that way. Reach out for the support you need.

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And have an Extraordinary Christmas Holiday Season.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lauren Bell helps nurses, healers and caring professionals who feel burnt out, stuck, angry and silenced to step up, stand out and be valued at the highest level in their field. Passionate for holistic health and wellness – body, mind, and spirit, Lauren delivers high impact transformation with therapy, coaching and workshops to move you forward and live the life you dreamed of; ‘An Extraordinary Life.’ Visit www.laurenbell.com.au to learn more about Lauren and her work.