Making the Most of the Holiday Season

It’s the holidays, “the most wonderful time of the year.” While this season is a time for us to celebrate life and our many blessings, stress can exist. I am a firm believer in living each day to the fullest and making each moment count, but how can we make the most of each day, particularly during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season? Here are some tips that have worked for me:

SIMPLIFY

Create new traditions that make the most of your energy. Ask for and allow others to help. Let others make meals, or share in a potluck meal with other families. Let others bake or purchase store baked goods, which will still be enjoyed by all. Let others decorate or wrap gifts – you can be the supervisor! Keep it simple. You decide how much you are able to actively participate in holiday activities, and it’s OK to allow others to help you in the preparations. Sharing the experience with others will be fun for all – trust me! By letting others share in doing what is needed, you allow yourself to save your physical and emotional energy so you can focus on what is truly important – enjoying time with your loved ones!

LIVE IN THE MOMENT

Realize your limitations and learn to feel comfortable with doing less. Don’t feel obligated to live up to others’ expectations – do what is best for you. You are in charge, and when you honestly embrace yourself and your loved ones, you will be able to handle whatever obstacles are laid before you. The power of positive thinking is very important to our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being so put your best attitude forward – try it and you’ll see what I mean!! When we live in the moment, we can make the most of being with those we love and cherish every experience.

SHARE WITH OTHERS

Volunteering can be very rewarding during the holiday season as well as throughout the rest of the year, and you can schedule to do as much or as little as you are able. You set the pace! Each of us has unique gifts and talents that we can share, which will enrich our lives and the lives of others. Whether we wish to serve meals at a soup kitchen, help others learn to read, adopt a needy family, visit homebound elders or residents at a skilled nursing home or assist in a child day care center, the important thing is to reach out to others in need. It can be as simple as inviting someone that lives alone to enjoy in a meal and other festive celebrations. By sharing with others, all involved will be thankful for the time spent together.

Keep in mind that it’s not the money spent or the food baked that is important. It’s the time that you spend together that makes a memorable celebration. Make the holiday season (and every day) a time for you and your loved ones to have fun and share special memories. Spend time together, sharing meals, talking and enjoying each other’s company. Count your blessings and remind yourself to make each day count; not just during the holiday season, but every day!