· Take time for silence and solitude. Be alone and embrace the silence and aloneness.
In the middle of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, take a few moments to
just be.
It is more blessed to give than to receive. Do you remember how much fun it was opening Santa gifts from under the
tree. Some families cannot do that. If you have the time and the extra money, make
Christmas for another boy or girl. You may have fun remembering what is was
like to wonder the isles as a kid and
look for what toys you wanted on your list to Santa.
Take time to reflect on all the good things you have accomplished
this year. Whether it was a new job, losing some weight,
running a 5k, walking a mile or learning
something new, relish in the fact you accomplished a task this year.
When family members disappoint you (and they will) remember they
are human too. They have their fault just like you do. Give them some grace. (Grace comes from Latin gratus, which is favor, kindness esteem or pleasing.)
Also, slow down and do one item at a time instead of
multitasking. Ask for help from others as needed. Let the grocery store make the pie, or
stuffing or even the whole meal.
If you do not have family in the area, get together with
friends. If that is not an option, go
serve food to those in homeless shelters.
Giving of yourself helps defeat
depression.
Meditate, read, or listen to good music or books for tape to
encourage yourself.
Do your favorite activity.
Take a walk, photography, writing in a journal, playing sports outside, playing with
children, grandchildren, family members. Playing games with the family.
“Don’t sweat the little stuff, and it is all little stuff.” Pick
and choose what you get upset over, remember you control your emotions. A
mantra to use is “will this matter next
year?” or “will this matter 3 years or 5 years from now?” Chances are you won’t remember anything
from last year.
Remember the reason for the season. It is to be enjoyed and
relished.
