holiday survival hacks
Honestly…how are you feeling about the upcoming holidays? Are you totally stoked? Do you want to crawl under the covers for a few weeks and get up on January 2? Or something in between?
Fellow human, I see you.
Whatever holidays you celebrate or don’t celebrate - this time of year can just be a lot.
For most of us, holiday memories go way back to childhood, and they involve family. Depending on how we grew up, our memories can be sweet and beautiful, or painful and traumatic, or anything in between. Did you ever notice how much we expect perfection and happiness around the holidays? I bet you’re aware of how much work is involved, especially if you have kids, or you’re hosting guests, or you’re traveling to be with others.
There can be a lot of felt obligation at this time of the year.
Holidays often include spending time with people you’re not normally around…for example, extended family. Hence, my favorite holiday joke:
Bring a covered dish and an unresolved issue.
Wherever you fall on the holiday spectrum, I’m going to share some self-care tips - hacks, if you will - to keep you feeling steady and resourced through the upcoming weeks. These apply to almost anyone…whatever holidays you’re celebrating (or not celebrating), and whether you’re single, partnered, with or without kids.
Take it easy. The last couple of weeks of the year can be an opportunity to slow down a bit. If you’re able, take advantage of holiday closures and time off of work to care for yourself. Get more sleep. Read a book you’ve been eyeing, or check out some movies that interest you. If you’re single, make yourself a nice meal and revel in not having to be somewhere else. It took me a while to learn how to relish being in my own company, but it was so worth it. If you have a friend or two that you love spending time with, schedule something. Reach out to people you love for support and encouragement. If the holiday season happens to mean more work for you, make sure that you build in some down time.
It’s OK to say no to invitations. It took me several years to work up the courage to politely decline a holiday invitation. There were a couple of reasons for this. First, an invitation, especially from close friends or family, felt like an obligation especially because it was a holiday. Second, I had an unconscious belief that I couldn’t possibly spend a holiday alone or doing something other than being part of a gathering…and if I did, something was terribly wrong with me.
But after a few years of attending holiday functions out of a sense of obligation, the choice to spend a holiday alone felt like a real gift. A gift of self-care, solitude, reflection, and making my own kind of fun. And after the first or second time, it didn’t feel so weird. Bottom line…when you’re deciding how to spend your time, check in with your gut and why you’re saying yes or no to an invitation. It really is OK to say no.
Take some time to reflect and dream. I don’t necessarily love the holidays, but I do love the end of one year and the beginning of another. There’s so much reflecting to do, and such a ripe feeling of possibility for the year ahead. My favorite activity at the end of the year is journaling. I love looking back on the previous year’s entries and seeing where I’ve come from, and I love dreaming about what I want the new year to bring.
I have written my end-of-year reflections on New Years Eve with a glass of wine, and I’ve journaled about my dreams for the upcoming year on New Years morning with a cup of coffee on the couch in my pajamas. It always feels special. And unlike parties, the ritual of new years reflections is a wonderful solitary activity.
This is a time for YOU. Back when I began to spend my holidays the way I wanted to spend them - whether alone or with others - I learned that if I could prioritize self-care, I’d reach the new year feeling so much better. I felt rejuvenated, rested, and ready to jump back into life. So don’t be afraid to carve out some time just for you, especially if your schedule is slammed with holiday functions, travel, and family gatherings. Your future self will thank you!
All emotions are OK. Welcome them. Whether you’re single, partnered, in a big family or not…the holidays can be emotionally loaded. If you’re with your family - or someone else’s family - you’re probably going to get triggered at some point.
It’s OK. And very normal. Let it be.
If you’re alone, no matter how you feel about it…whether you’re excited for the down time or dreading it…there will likely be some emotion.
This too is OK, normal, and good to feel.
Let the emotion come. Process it. Being human is not easy. Navigating the holidays and the emotions that come with the holidays…it’s all part of humaning.
Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, I wish you a very rich holiday season with plenty of time for yourself.
Give yourself the gift of change work this holiday season! Click here to schedule a free connection call with me and we’ll explore your dreams for the new year. And for regular insights on self-care and nurturing your inner wisdom, tune into my podcast, coming home (to yourself). As always, may your week be filled with self-love and rich insights. With love, Amy ♡♡♡