Testing, Testing 123…

Okay, I know I already did a blog post today, but I’m testing a new feature with my wordpress, so I trust that you’ll indulge me.  By way of making this worth your while, I do want to offer you something of value.  So let me share a thought or two…

The holidays are fast approaching, and for many of you, I know you’re already feeling stressed.  I always find that disturbing, since I believe that the holidays aren’t meant to be stressful.  They’re meant to be a time of celebration, a time of rejoicing, a time of connecting.  No matter who you are or what faith you subscribe to or what traditions you hold, the holidays aren’t meant to send you into a state of nervous prostration.  So, in an effort to help alleviate some of the holiday nuttiness for you, here are some coping strategies that you might consider utilizing:

1. Ask yourself, what’s important about the holidays for you?  What do they represent?  Family? Feasting? Peace? Sharing?  Whatever your answer, use it to determine which activities you’ll engage in and which you won’t.
2. Carve out time to be still, even while you plan to carve the turkey (or whatever other festive meal is yours).  Stillness can be a wonderful refresher.  And sipping hot tea while watching the snow fall can be the ultimate stillness experience it.  Savour it.
3. Reconnect with your inner child.  Go out and make a snowman, snow angels or even just enjoy a snowy walk.  A snowy walk at nighttime can be especially magical.
4. Pick a holiday theme and plan your gift-giving around that.  For example, if you choose to focus on “family fun” , purchase board games as gifts for all.  Got classic literature on the brain?  Hit the bookstore and buy great books for one and all.  Feeling into the comfy-cozy? Pyjamas are a fabulous gift for young and old alike.  Picking a theme can minimize the shopping frenzy.
5. Remember:  traditions are valuable, but only if they matter to you and bring value and meaning to your life.  So, if having a big turkey dinner with all the fixin’s just isn’t your thing — if it gives you heart palpitations just to think of it — find another tradition that has more meaning and value for you.

Bottom-line:  the holidays, no matter what they are, are a fabulous time to celebrate and share.  But they’re only fabulous if you feel fabulous and enjoy the experience.  Do what you can to eliminate the stress and reclaim the spirit.  Make this a holiday to treasure.