Christmas is a time when we are all supposed to share traditions, food, gifts and good times with our families. Theoretically. We all know that reality sometimes falls far short of this. Here are a few tips you can use to keep yourself, no matter how different your situation from the ‘norm’ we’re all force fed this time of year, from getting down.
- Keep it simple
Elaborate preparations can leave you both exhausted and/or in debt. If your expectations are kept within limits you won’t feel let down. For shopping stress, especially, try one of the following:- shop early or shop a bit at a time
- set a time limit for holiday gift buying
- shop from home using mail order or the net
- choose simple gifts, preferably before you go out get them.
- Treat yourself as someone special
It’s the holidays, right? Give yourself the gift of doing something you really enjoy – set aside the time for just you. If you are in a relationship, see if you can arrange for some time out – either do something yourself or send them off somewhere and relax, read a book, or get into the gardening – whatever you enjoy. This also covers being a bit reasonable about your intake of rich food and alcohol, and getting enough sleep! - Watch out for family strife
Christmas is a time when emotions run high – it’s NOT a good time to resolve disputes or bring up confrontational issues. If something needs to be dealt with, agree on a time when you will get to it, after Christmas, when things are on a bit more of an even keel. - Start your own traditions
Sometimes it’s the loss of meaning from our childhood traditions that gets us down – or with scattered families the loss of the traditions themselves. Make up your own new traditions (I know that’s a contradiction, but you know what I mean) to enjoy with people who are near you – in time, they’ll become as precious and cherished as the old ones. - Acknowledge losses
As I said before, emotions run high during the season, and if this is something you’re going through right now it will be harder for you during the holidays. Acknowledge the loss in some simple way – look through a photo album, burn a candle, buy a new angel for the tree – whatever feels right to you. Changing traditions at this time can also help make it less likely to bring up memories of times before. - Volunteer
If there’s nobody around for you to share Christmas with – share it with others who have nobody around! Help out at the local centre for the Christmas meals or offer to drive seniors to holiday events – this one’s a great way to get your mind off your own situation. - Plan for afterwards
Once the holiday rush is finished, it’s perfectly normal to feel let down and at loose ends. If you plan something for after the day, though, you still have something to look forward to and it helps with the transition from ‘holiday’ mode back to normal life.
Hope these help, and best wishes for a good time, wherever you are.
Crystal
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