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Take Some. Leave Some. Love Some. Hate Some. Try Some.
Dec 15, 2019 by Eileen Adler
- The best gift you can give anyone you love is that of being true to yourself and living your life to the fullest.
- Recognize that the holidays may be different this year.
- Decide which traditions you want to keep, change, or skip altogether.
- Be honest with yourself and others by sharing what you DO want to do and what you DON’T want to do. Try not to be overly controlling but setting limits is very helpful. Don’t cancel the holidays altogether but be kind to yourself by prioritizing the things you really want to enjoy.
- Often celebrations are caught up in the holiday foods we remember so do include one of your favorite dishes in your holiday meal. If making the dinner is too much, invite friends to bring dishes or order one of the prepared dinners from a restaurant or grocery store.
- Upbeat music makes us want to move so play your loved one’s favorite music.
- Skip (or minimize) the decorations if they are too much this year. Take a drive through the neighborhood to see the houses that are decorated and be thankful that you don’t have to put it all away for next year.
- If you decide not to decorate your home, think about decorating a small table-top tree, a menorah with Hanukkah candles, or a Kinara holding seven candles symbolizing the seven principles of Kwanzaa and donating it to a senior center, nursing home, shelter, or a caregiving facility.
- Make quiet time for your self-care rituals like journaling, meditating, listening to music – whatever it is that helps you revitalize. Get enough sleep, eat a well-balanced diet, get enough exercise, and maintain your usual schedule to see you through the holidays healthfully.
- Embrace today because that is what matters. Avoid making comparisons to yesterday or last year.
- If you are feeling down in the dumps, seek the guidance of a counselor.