This is a busy season for most of us. There is pressure to keep up holiday traditions, put well-thought-out gifts under the tree, and roll out a feast for your family. I’m here to tell you it’s okay if it doesn’t all get done.
That’s right. It is okay if everything on your holiday to-do list doesn’t get done.
Saying this to myself has helped me manage my stress around the holidays a lot. After all, I put all of these expectations on myself. No one else is asking me to cook Beef Wellington on Christmas Eve – that was my dumb idea. That being said, we could all use a little help getting through our busy seasons.
Here are some tips and mantras I’ve been living by to get me through – and I hope they help you too.
Traditions Don’t Make You Go Broke
Recently, I’ve seen a post going around on social media stating something along these lines:
You don’t have to keep up any traditions that make you go into debt, spend all of your money, stress you out, or cause you to be unhappy.
That was a break-through moment for me, honestly. I never thought about simply not taking part in the traditions if they caused me anxiety or stress. We did these things every year, we have to do them, right?
Wrong! You can pick and choose what you want to do. If you struggle with depression and anxiety during this time of year, that may be doing the absolute bare minimum and that’s okay. No tradition is worth your peace.
It’s Okay To Say No During Your Busy Season
On top of that, it is okay to say no to things. Oftentimes, during the busy season, we overload our calendars with fun, exciting things to do without taking our own mental health into consideration.
It’s good to remember that many of these events and activities won’t be as much fun if you are stressed. If you are worried about making it to every single thing you’ve been invited to, you won’t have a moment to breathe. And, if you’re like me, you’ll get burnt out and sick fast.
So, learn to say no to some things. It will be better for you in the long-run.
Not Everyone Deserves Your Presents or Presence
This point goes hand-in-hand with not breaking the bank, or your back, for traditions. Just because someone is family or has been around for previous holiday celebrations doesn’t mean they deserve to be.
Our generation is breaking a lot of curses and one of them is not feeling pressured to be around people you don’t want to be. We surround ourselves with family and friends who bring love and light into our lives. Not everyone is deserving of your presence or presents. Remember that.
Readers, what are some mantras or things you do to help you get through the busy season?
Read More
Amanda is an editor and writer. She has a passion for sharing information that helps people and communities to better themselves in some way. In addition to writing online, she also freelances for local newspapers in her hometown of Charlotte, NC.