It is easy to become wrapped up in efforts to "do it all". Instead, it helps to be more selective in choosing which Christmas or holiday tasks are really your priorities and which ones are not that imprtant to you personally (even if they seem "sacred" -- like putting energies on holiday activities you find most meaningful or enjoyable, and delegate or let go of the rest.
The holidays can feel like a competition to please others, buy the best presents, host the finest party, and so on. Remember that your true self-worth (as with the true Spirit of Christmas) is not bound up in these external trapings.
Childhood memories (whether happy or sad) and the comercial hype surrounding the holidays canfeed unrealistic expectations of how we should feel and behave. Rather than expecting ourselves to be jolly, generous, and loving the whole holiday season, we can allow ourselves to feel the ups and downs that come with being human. As with any other day of the year, some things about Christmas will be good, and some will not. Realistic expectations allow us to experience greater peace of mind about the way things are.
Death, divorce, and other losses or separations can make the holidays extremely painful. However you choose to celebrate the Christmas season, it is important to do what feels comfortable -- not what you feel obliged to do. It is also important to let friends and relatives know what you need.
During the holidays people often spend large blocks of time with relatives who may still relate to them in destructive patterns begun years ago. Unresolved family conflicts (e.g., from untreated alcoholism, childhood abuse, or other problems) do not tnd to disapear just in time for Christmas. Often these conflicts even intensify during the holidays. It is important to remember that you are not responsible for family members behaviors. You are only responsible for your own behavior. You can change your own thoughts and actions to the extent you are able. You can also let go of expecting family members to give what they ae for whatever reasons, unable to give. Take care of yourself and plan to structure holiday visits with family memgers for only the optimal amount of time.
Take the time to nurture your spirit in any number of possible ways (perhaps prayer, meditation, reading inspirational materials, listening to music that you love, volunteering your time for a cause you value, talking to a friend you haven't heard from in a long time, taking a long walk on a crisp, sunny day, etc.)
Give yourself time to ease back into your normal routine. Tackle your goals one step at a time. Pace yourself with the holiday "leftovers" (e.g., the bills, the work put off, losing those extra pounds). Consider setting aside your New Year's resolutins until a bit later when you've gained your momentum again. Then you can set reasonable short - and long - term goals and concrete steps to reach them.
The holidays can feel like a competition to please others, buy the best presents, host the finest party, and so on. Remember that your true self-worth (as with the true Spirit of Christmas) is not bound up in these external trapings.
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