The holiday season is about spending time and making memories with loved ones. It’s also a time of year that comes with added stress. Regardless of how busy your schedule looks in the coming weeks, take a step back and truly enjoy the holidays – all it takes is a shift in your mindset.
If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath and change your perspective. Check out the examples below:
Instead of: “I have to host a big party at my house this weekend.”
Think: “I have so many loved ones to spend the holidays with.” Sure, there’s a lot of planning and preparation involved in hosting a holiday get-together – but don’t lose sight of how lucky you are to have family and friends to spend these special moments with.
Instead of: “I need to go to the grocery store again.”
Think: “I have the ability to put food on the table for my family.” We know meal-planning can be stressful and the grocery list often seems neverending this time of year. Take a moment to appreciate that you have the means to shop – it’ll make those grocery runs seem less like a chore and more like a privilege.
Instead of: “I have so many gifts to buy.”
Think: “I’m thankful to have the means to purchase gifts for my loved ones.” The holidays are the perfect time to get into the spirit of giving. Giving gifts shouldn’t just be another item on your to-do list, it should be an opportunity to show your friends and family how much they mean to you. And remember it’s not the pricetag, but the gesture that counts. Sharing time together is the ultimate gift.
Instead of: “Our schedule is so hectic throughout the holiday season.”
Think: “I’m so thankful to have friends and family to spend the holidays with.” Between hosting and attending many get-togethers during the next few weeks, you probably won’t have much down time – but does that have to be a bad thing? Having all of those loved ones, and the opportunity to spend time with them, is something to be cherished.
Instead of: “The kids are off school for weeks – how can I keep them busy?”
Think: “I have the opportunity to spend some quality time with my kids during the holidays.” Whether you have young kids on a break from elementary school or teens who are back home from college, view the break as an opportunity to spend time with them and make lasting memories. After all, that’s what the holiday season is all about.
For more ways to slow down and enjoy the holiday season with your family, visit the Connect page of our website.
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