Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or other traditions, there’s no doubt that a busy and hectic season is on the horizon. Here are a few tips to help you to get off the treadmill and enjoy this time of year.
Create a vision. Some folks thrive on the craziness of the season. Others…not so much. Visualize what a meaningful and realistic holiday season looks like for you.
Decide what’s really important. To help you realize your vision, consider what’s really important in order for you and your family to celebrate this special time. (See coaching questions)
Consider how you feel about making changes. How do you feel when you honestly consider change—relieved, guilty, desperate, selfish, sad? If there are things you think you “have to do” in order to make those around you happy, ask THEM how important it is before you assume the answer. Having the time and energy to spend quality time with the people you love may be the greatest gift.
You have the power. Affirm that you have the power to be present during the holidays and to enjoy the special occasions and people. Rather than being swept up in the craziness, create a vision, make decisions, ask and don’t assume, then have the best holidays ever!
Affirmation: I will be proactive and enjoy the upcoming season!
Coaching questions: In the age of social media, are cards still viable? Do the kids/grands really need more stuff or would lessons, events, or other non-tangibles be more meaningful? How much is enough when it comes to decorating? How many cookies do you really need to bake? If you’ve recently experienced a loss, how will you take care of yourself during this season? To whom will you confide if you need help?
Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash
Life after losing a mother 