Is it stressful thinking how you will open up your calendar to accommodate friends’ parties, visits and road trips in December? Is it hard to commit to large blocks of time to commit to the same old holiday festivity-making? According to a poll by the American Psychological Association, nearly 25% of Americans reported feelings of “extreme stress” at holiday time. Holiday statistics also reveal that stress is a “lack of time” (69%), a “lack of money” (69%) and the “pressure to give or get gifts (51%).”
In a world of constant distractions and fierce competition, there is surely has to be a better way to enjoy our relationships and ourselves. In this season of Ho, Ho, Ho choose to walk away from the guilt of hours of time wasted in the wrong places. Take advantage of the season by using your time wisely and celebrating your commitments with joy.
“According to a poll by the American Psychological Association, nearly 25% of Americans reported feelings of “extreme stress” at holiday time. Holiday statistics also reveal that stress is a “lack of time” (69%), a “lack of money” (69%) and the “pressure to give or get gifts (51%).”
My holiday survival idea: Holding holiday moments.
Be present. As you greet another, hold their hand or hug them like you haven’t seen them in years. Use your eyes to tell them they matter to you. Allow your tone of voice and body language to be relaxed and easy. Pay close attention and share a compliment. Create a warm space between you two.
Be brief. As you greet another, hold their hand or hug them like you haven’t seen them in years. Use your eyes to tell them they matter to you. Allow your tone of voice and body language to be relaxed and easy. Pay close attention and share a compliment. Create a warm space between you two.
Be yourself. Holding moments is not a long, drawn out affair. It’s about deliberately exchanging energy that benefits you and others. Perhaps you write out a thoughtful card. Or you end your phone calls with words of genuine gratitude.
Imagine yourself as a beautifully decorated gingerbread cookie. People stop by the table to delight in your colors, scents and outfit. They can’t help but smile and look back in time. What would it take for you to show up at gatherings in this way? How do you want to be remembered by others?
Holding holiday moments allows you to remember times worth remembering. You are dialed in on spreading love and cheer rather than rolling your eyes, making excuses or checking your phone.