Don’t be fooled by the title of this post, I love the holidays.
So much to celebrate, eat, drink, and so many people to do those things with!
But, if you (like me) have driven in holiday traffic, been to a mall during the month of December or attended a holiday party with people you didn’t know, you might have noticed that the holidays tend to get a little crazy.
All the stress, money spending and general busyness is enough to drive your normal cheerful Christmas-lover into a scroogey mood.
How do you stop this and prevent yourself from stressing through the holidays?
Here are a few tips for surviving the holidays:
Discover a New Book, Podcast or Music
Whether Christmas tunes or the new Adele album is your thing, embrace whatever media makes you happy. Find a new podcast or book on tape to entertain you during your dark, congested drive home from work. Pop in a new CD (if you have an old, non-iPhone compatible care like me) or play your favorite Christmas playlist on Spotify. Find time to rest, listen or read to something interesting and uplifting. I’m also an Advent lover, myself.
Shop Local and/or Online
Save your sanity and your time by doing your holiday shopping at local shops (like these in Raleigh) or ordering online. The short checkout lines, fewer choices and unique selection of gifts will keep you smiling and de-stressed.
Sip Some Tea
I love all of the holiday blends of tea that are out these days. Trader Joe’s Candy Cane Green Tea, Harvest Blend or your favorite seasonal flavor steeped in hot water will help you relax and enjoy the holiday season, no matter whether you’re in your pjs, at work or driving the kids home from school. And I guess if you like coffee, you could sip your favorite flavor of that, too.
Let it Be
Use the sometimes chaotic situations of the holidays to work on your patience and character. Adopt a “let it be” attitude and stop caring about making your dinner party perfect, finding the most perfect gift in the universe or ensuring your home is the brightest on the block. Just enjoy time spent with others and do what you can to make their lives brighter…which is what Christmas is all about.