As we gear up for the holiday season, I look for joy and the holiday spirit, and when I feel a little stressed or overwhelmed, I review my 12 Thoughts of Christmas, none of which include a partridge in a pear tree! Not that I’m an expert for sure, but here they are:
12: Embrace the music and decorations
Every year I promise my family I won’t start with the holiday music until the day after Thanksgiving. It just isn’t appropriate. But on that day after Thanksgiving, it’s all Christmas music all of the time, in the house and in my car… There are the old faves which may conjure up nostalgic images of Christmases past, as music can so easily trigger memories. There is new music every year, too, and if you have a streaming music service, give it a try. I’m listening to John Legend’s new holiday album and am loving it!
And the decorations? For me, decorating the house gets me in the holiday spirit. Getting it all out of the attic isn’t exactly fun, but when it’s done… what a great sense of accomplishment! It creates a festive, warm, joyful feeling. I love the lights, the trees, the poinsettias, the Santas, the nutcrackers, the greenery…it makes me happy.
If you want to make your tree appear more grand while creating more space for gifts, take a look at this:
11: Give yourself a break on the healthy eating program… enjoy the parties
I’m not saying completely chuck it out of the window, but if you enjoy food like I do, let yourself enjoy your holiday favorites… you can jump back on the wagon in January! I try to keep it in check throughout the day because if I completely abandoned all healthy eating habits I would feel lousy, but when the evening festivities are in play, I don’t hesitate to indulge in treats like cheeses, desserts and adult beverages.
10: Bake cookies
Or build a gingerbread house. Either can be fun, creative, social, relaxing and a break from the holiday hustle and bustle. Host a cookies exchange. Bake for your family, friends, teachers, mail carrier, or whoever else might be on your “nice” list. Plus it helps you follow #11!
9: Go Christmas light looking
Load up the family in the car and take a drive to see holiday decorations. Play your Christmas music (see #12) and it will put everyone in a good mood. It’s always fun to seek out the “Griswold” houses. As long as you don’t overdo it. You have to read your audience and abort at early signs of boredom. It’s a fine line…
8: Be patient
Accept the fact that traffic will be heavy, terrible drivers will be out in abundance, stores will be crowded and people will be rude. Not everyone of course, but more than you expect and hope for. Be kind. Make eye contact and smile. Plan ahead, fully expecting everything will take a little longer. If you’re in a hurry, know you will likely be frustrated and disappointed. Adjusting your expectations may make checking out at Costco a little more bearable.
7: Establish a new tradition
There are so many options. One of our traditions is to watch the movie Four Christmases. It’s not a masterpiece like It’s A Wonderful Life, but we all love it and laugh out loud. We schedule it ahead of time, get comfy, have snacks and watch it together as a family. We have lots of traditions that we all look forward to every holiday season. Other favorite holiday movies:
We Double Dog Dare You to Watch These Holiday Favorites!
Traditions can be anything…shopping for a family in need, baking cookies together, going to a holiday performance, going to church together or wrapping gifts together to name a few.
6: Remember those who help you throughout the year
Whether it’s your hairdresser, the recycling/waste pickup team, your mail carrier, your kids’ teachers, the dog groomer, the pool guy or anyone else who helps you out, the holidays are a great time to show your appreciation. Here are some specific ideas:
Thank You, Next…Showing Appreciation
5: Focus on the positives
Let’s face it: holidays can be stressful. Family time can be stressful. If you or someone you love dreads the family get-togethers, try to find a different perspective. Look for a positive, even if the positive is small. Try a different approach if you’re hoping for a different experience. And good grief, don’t talk politics. I was taught early on to avoid religion and politics. Political discussions can be volatile, especially these days. Maybe talk about the college football playoffs and national championship (Go Bucks!), because that’s not controversial at all…
4: Spread some joy to others
Provide Christmas gifts for a child, children or a family. Volunteer for an organization on your own, with friends and/or family. Giving (time or treasures) to others is a win-win. You help bring joy to someone’s holiday and you bring joy to yourself. If you start doing this when your children are young, they see the impact and hopefully carry it through their lives.
3: Recognize and have empathy for those who struggle with the holidays
There are people who dread the holidays and don’t in fact believe it’s the most wonderful time of the year. They may have lost a loved one, they may have broken relationships, maybe lost a job, and/or are experiencing financial distress. Whatever the reason, if you are in a position to include someone who is alone or sad in your holiday celebration, or bring them joy in some other way, it will make a difference. See #4.
2: Treasure time with your family
Whenever there’s an opportunity to spend time as a family, love every moment. If everyone has time off from whatever their daily responsibilities are, accept the gift and take full advantage of it. Having a break from work, homework, volunteer responsibilities is rare and we try to cherish it. See numbers 3-10.
And the number one thought about Christmas…
1: Remember the reason for the season
If you celebrate Christmas, you know it’s sometime challenging to balance the hubbub with the meaning of Christmas… the birth of Christ. Take the time to celebrate this significant miracle. Talk about what it means to you, to your family.
For other articles from The Two Dandelions, please click below:
The Big Green Egg is the best gift I’ve ever given to my husband
