Thankfully, we're forced to be close during the
winter months because no one wants to go outside and face the cold. We in
Tennessee believe that the weather will change back to warm quickly enough so
why bother getting all dressed up to go out in twenty degree weather to do the
things that can wait. We are a patient people when it comes to the weather. We
are not as patient when it comes to things that stress us, and this time of
year has plenty of that. Here are some tips to make this time of year as joyous
as possible.
- Don’t do everything: There will be plenty of things to do from now until the new year. Lay out a schedule, plan and follow step two.
- Do what is most important to you: Pick and choose because nothing can bring about more stress than making sausage balls half a dozen times to be at events where you know you’re going to be miserable. Say no to things and don’t feel guilty because the most important people you must please are your family and yourself. If your family is happy and so are you then you’re doing something right.
- If there are family members that make occasions particularly difficult, you must learn to apply appropriate boundaries. Only speak about those things you can agree on, or don’t speak at all. There are other people you can converse with. This is a time of thanksgiving and celebration. Don’t use it as a time to air grievances. That’s what Festivus is for.
- Make time to exercise: Nothing can make the wintry blues worse quite like overeating and feeling bad about oneself. I say enjoy the abundance of delectable delights that are out there, but exercise to balance the extra calories you’ll be taking in. Also, the exercising will help boost endorphins and you’ll feel better emotionally.
- Enjoy the season and what it has to offer: Too many of us complain and if there’s nothing to complain about, we’ll find something. You must learn to appreciate things for what they are. There is a Chinese philosophy known as Taoism that says, “Unpleasant experiences need not be avoided or expunged, but can be enjoyed as an integral part of the flow of the world.” Traffic, long shopping lines, and people who think their ugly Christmas sweater is a good fashion statement are as much a part of Christmas traditions as anything else. Learn to deal.
- Budget woes got you down? If you are already experiencing credit card remorse, pay them off as quickly as possible during the start of 2012 and start a Christmas account for the following season. Have it auto drafted and forget about it until November. Nothing can bring more joy to the giving than giving out of your abundance.
- Lost that Christmas spirit? This is particularly true of families with older children. Ask them if they recall what they got last year for Christmas. They probably won’t. The kids just don’t have that sparkle in their eye anymore because they know about the Xbox game under the tree. They put it in the buggy when you bought it, remember? Start a new tradition and plan a trip using the Christmas money you would normally spend. Coastal rentals are particularly cheap this time of year and Christmas can still be enjoyed with homemade gifts or by a name exchange ON THE BEACH! It’s the memories that will last.
If
you’re often tired or don’t seem to enjoy yourself any time of the year, it may
be necessary to see a counselor or simply take charge of your life. Making
changes now can have lasting effects if you do those things that will make your
life enjoyable. I believe it is possible for everyone.
|
