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Seven Steps for Successful Season Survival

It is that time of year again when, in our own respective ways and religions, we celebrate the spiritual holidays. It is a time of joy, excitement, and closeness with friends and families. For many, this season is coupled with stress, sadness, and dashed expectations.

This is the time of year when we may find ourselves throwing caution to the wind along with our diets, money, and realistic expectations. It is the time of year that may be followed with additional pounds, less money, more debt, and disappointments because the perfect holiday celebration did not emerge as planned. Many of us have a family member who is destined to make the family gathering an unpleasant experience; the one that we vow not to let aggravate us again this year. Put all of this together and you have a recipe for a potentially, unhappy holiday season.

So what can we do, think, or be to successfully survive and even enjoy this time?

1. Be realistic in what you can accomplish during this time. When tempted to become a "Martha Stewart" and plan dinners and parties to perfection, yield not to the temptation if it will add unnecessary stress or if you are doing it because you feel obligated.
    
2. Remember the reason for the season. Regardless of the nature of one's religious beliefs, this is still the time to reflect and celebrate the meaning of your holiday celebration.
    
3. Don't give gifts (presents, time or money) out of guilt or obligation; and then find yourself rolling in debt and in resentment.
    
4. Keep your humor and, therefore, your wits about you. If you can laugh at it, it can't kill you. Instead of pining for a Norman Rockwell type of holiday, you may have to accept that the most you can hope for may be a chaotic celebration (because you cannot control what other people may do, say, or be).
    
5. Spend some time alone, allowing yourself the time to reflect upon and celebrate all of the wonderful gifts that you have in your life.
    
6. Give gifts that are real, that have a lasting effect, and are really appreciated; they may cost you little or nothing. Give the gift of yourself, of your love and compassion for others. Donate some time to others who are less fortunate or more needy. You will find your spiritual cup filled and your resentment cup emptied.
    
7. Pretend that this is the last holiday season that you will spend with family and friends. Now that may sound macabre, but it may help you direct your mind and attitude to a better place. What a gift it would be for your family and friends to receive expressions of your unconditional love and appreciation for them. What would you like to say to them, verbally or in writing?

Affirmation for the Week:
 
“I will give myself the gift of a guilt-free and stress-free holiday season. I will share my love with those around me.”
 
Have a centered celebration!
 
Mary Rau-Foster,

Copyright 2003 by Mary Rau-Foster. All rights reserved.
However, if you find this information helpful, we grant you permission, and strongly encourage you, to print this page and put it on your bulletin board, or download an Adobe PDF file with a printable version. Thank you.
 
 
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