Tips for Avoiding Holiday Pitfalls

What an incredible mixture of feelings, thoughts and sensations the holidays bring! It is easy to be overwhelmed by all of the expectations, responsibilities and accompanying emotions. The season tends to bring out happiness and cheer but also can trigger feelings of stress, anxiety and memories of loved ones who are no longer with us to share the holidays. Too often people are left to experience feelings that are unpleasant and that run contrary to those that the season is intended to generate. Whether it is frustration over limited money, the pain of being alone or grief experienced when remembering holiday seasons past, all of the well-intended wishes for joy and peace seem to create a stark contrast, when one feels sorrow and the absence of joy.  

Although some holiday stress is probably inevitable we can celebrate in our own way and preserve those beliefs, practices and traditional that make the season special to us. With some preplanning we can anticipate some common holiday pitfalls and make a big difference.

Recall Childhood Pleasures.
Reflect on those things that gave you a feeling of warmth and happiness when you were a child. They could be simple things like seasonal songs, baking holiday treats, holiday décor, sending cards or continuing some family tradition that you knew as a child. There is a bit of a child in all of us and reawakening those joys can be fun.

Routines Are Healthy.
Try not to change your routine too drastically. Get sufficient sleep and exercise. Continue activities you enjoy throughout the rest of the year such as movies, bowling, sporting events, etc. Holiday food can be delicious but plan moderation in advance. Set healthy limits on the amount of goodies you will consume.

Share with Friends and Family.
Plan to share your time with friends or family. If this cannot be done, find a church, group or organization that will provide an opportunity to share with others. Examples would be volunteering or getting involved in an organized celebration at a church or community center.

Look to the Spirit of the Season.   
Practice your chosen faith or personal philosophy. Participate in those seasonal rituals and festivities that make this time of year special.

Moderation in All Things.
Holiday food can be delicious but plan moderation in advance. Set healthy limits on the amount of goodies you will consume. Limit alcohol consumption. Many parties feature alcohol in many forms and fashions. Be smart. Avoid drunken behavior; it can come back to haunt you. Remember that alcohol is a depressant and can make the blues a prolonged holiday guest.

Give a Priceless Gift.
Offer the gift of your smile, a friendly greeting while conducting yourself with gentility and respect to all you meet. Remember all the others who tried their best to give you their gift of love and friendship over the years. In their memory offer that same gift to others.