Holiday Burnout

How can we change a stressful season into a blissful one?

Holiday Burnout

How can we change a stressful season into a blissful one?

First remember to take care of yourself

You know the old saying, put your life mask on first? Or tis' the season why not buy yourself the first gift. Both of these ideas are remembering to take care of yourself because if you aren't ok, how can you possibly be there for others. This season can be a hard one, not everyone experiences bliss during the holidays for various reasons, but all the more reason to enter in some self-care. I know, its a huge buzz word right now but really it should be something we do for ourselves naturally because as 'human givers' as the book Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski calls it (ps Great Book!), we tend to give everything of ourselves often without thinking of it and then become resentful. Now I am not sure about you, but I sure don't like the feeling of being resentful and when I an at the end of may rope it comes out in spades, I can hold a grudge like no other when I am emotionally exhausted or burned out.

Set Realistic Expectations

Instead of thinking your house has to look like a set from a Hallmark Movie, go and watch a movie instead. You are not a terrible, mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, or second-second cousin because you didn't go all out in decking the halls. Do what is right for you. There have been years I have felt emotionally zapped and done the bare basics and guess what, my kids still love me and I only recall that year as a year of emotional turmoil not the year my house wasn't decorated like the Griswald's. Actually I think my husband even commented that year how nice it was that I didn't go overboard, as I usually tend to do - I can't help it usually it brings me joy and we all need more of that.

Less is More

We've become a society that just goes out and gets what they want, which can make gift giving extremely difficult. I have been told I am a bit of a gift giving genius- want to know my secret? Pay attention throughout the year, I personally keep notes on my phone when someone makes reference to something they like or would like but is unlikely to buy for themselves. I also use an app called Santa's Bag - it's genius in keeping track of ideas, what I need to buy, what I have bought and noting the location I hid it so I don't go re-buy it or lose it to the troll I swear lives in my basement. It also does an amazing job at helping me from not overspending, again from forgetting what I already have for everyone. Take a look at your list and decide what do they need, then think about what you think they would want, and base your idea off of those two things, but mostly need. This year I am giving the gift of experiences, as a family we are going to go on a trip, for my brother and sister-in-law I am thinking gift cards (lets hope they don't find this post prior), my parents the gift of a trip to a Nordic Spa, and a show or concert (I haven't found the perfect one yet), for my employees an LCBO gift card (that's the Liquor store here in Ontario, Canada where I am writing from) and an evening of axe throwing together. Experiences are a great way to spend time together but also to make memories which will last far longer than the socks an Mildred gave you second hand.

Find Joy

This may be an incredibly hard time of year, I know last year was extremely tough for me, but try to find the joy. What brings a smile to your face or a laugh to your body? A good Hallmark heart felt movie, or maybe a stroll around your neighbourhood admiring the lights, or perhaps a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Latte in a Christmas Cup. Or maybe its nothing Christmas related at all, and you'd prefer to go watch a shoot em' up movie (try Die Hard- no that is not a Christmas movie!- let's start that debate, shall we?), eat a large pizza and wings and chug down a summertime beer- I'm here for that too.

What ever this season brings you, remember to take care of yourself and that what ever you are doing is always good enough, you are always enough.

With love and light,

Leah