5 Tips to Sleigh your Holiday Season and be Merry and Bright
The holiday season can be very hectic with so many things to do; like finishing up work tasks before the new year, attending parties that you actually want to go to, buying the perfect gifts for your family and friends, decorating the house because you have to…I mean, want to… managing your kids activities and, even travel.
Whoa, I just got a dull headache thinking of all the things you need to do. So let’s take a step back and digest these 5 simple tips you can but into pratice starting now to ensure you will Sleigh the Holidays:
1) Plan ahead!
The first, and best way, to Sleigh the month of December is to make a TO-DO list. Start by looking at the entire month as a whole and schedule in all the important work and school deadlines, add in the parties you plan to attend, if you’re bringing a hostess gift write in the date you need to purchase the gift by or when you will make a bring-along dish, schedule a night or weekend to decorate (and it doesn’t have to be done all in one day, you can spread the cheer over a few days! And remember a little bit goes a long way).
Plan to take small shopping breaks throughout the early part of the month to finds gifts (better not to make this whole shopping thing a marathon.) and wrap them as you go.
Write a master TO-DO list on your calendar and then fill in the rest of what you would like to accomplish every morning. Check off the things on your list as you go and feel a sense of accomplishment. Prioritize what’s important to you and your family and try not to do too much at once.
Remember, “if you fail to plan you plan to fail”.
2) Be mindful of your well-being!
Yes, the holiday season can make you crazy if you let it, so put you first! Check in with yourself every day to see how you are feeling and what you need. It’s important to stick to your healthy living routine; eat right, sleep enough, find time to exercise, take a few minutes to breathe, and put a smile on your face and be merry.
Don’t eat standing up (yep that’s you grazing over the buffet table at a party). Be sure to sit with a plate and eat a meal. Also try and eat what you normally would eat if there wasn’t a plate of cookies in front of you every day. You can enjoy the special sweet treats and heavy foods but remember, to do everything in moderation.
Find at least 20 minutes a day for exercise whether it be a brisk walk outside, a hop on the stationary bike, a good stretch sesh, or weight training; just get moving it will help you stay physically and mentally well.
Sleep is so important to our overall wellness so be sure to get 8-9 hours of shut eye and try going to bed at the same time every night.
Meditation and relaxation are just as important as a fast-paced workout. So take 15 minutes before you start your day to center yourself, breath and listen to the quiet.
3) Manage your expectations!
It may not all be perfect; it rarely ever is but remember the holidays are what you make them. Go with the flow and give yourself permission not to be perfect. The holiday season is time for cheer so if you show up like the grinch you may not be asked back next year.
If you are not hosting, ask what you can bring and make it simple. If you are hosting, ask for help.
And remember, everything may not get done but don’t beat yourself up over it, celebrate what you’ve accomplished this year and enjoy the season.
4) Go green!
During this season you are already giving to others, so why not give back to the environment too! How can you go green this holiday?
Use recycled paper bags or cloth bags, twine and pine springs to wrap gifts. Use LED lights to decorate your home; LED lights are way more energy efficient than those old clunky blubs. After you make the holiday meals, recycle the packaging, containers, bottles and plastics.
Santa and his reindeer with thank you!
5) Spread love!
The foundation for everything is LOVE. No matter what is happening this holiday season, remember LOVE comes first.
If you are not gifting with love, don’t give a gift. If you are not hosting with love, don’t host. If you are not going to a party with love in your heart, don’t go. Love starts in your heart and soul and travels into your mindset. So, keep a positive mental attitude and spread love.
Remember, your focus should be on gratitude this time of year so spread love everywhere you go!
And even if you take one of these tips and put it into play now, your holiday season is certain to get a little bit brighter. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! You got this holiday thing!
