5 tips for Holiday Happiness

5 Tips to Find Joy in the Holidays

 Do you ever want to scream, “I hate the holidays!” those moments when the “to do” and “should” lists are so long they are pulling you in a million directions? Here are 5 key strategies to bringing joy to your family during these often challenging times.

1. Protect sleep – not just at night but naps too. Everything is more manageable and enjoyable when everyone is well rested. 
2.  Listen to your feelings. Stop when you first start to feel that an emotion. Instead of stuffing it, listen to it. What is it communicating to you? Then, you can decide whether to tell it, “It’s okay, you can back-off, I’ve got this.” Or, “Thank you, I needed to hear that and will take the appropriate actions to address what you have made me aware of.”
3. Allow yourself to say, “no.” Whether it’s one more activity, too much money to spend, a poor fit for your family, or does not reflect your values, you get to choose when to say, “no.” Even if someone else will be upset. You get to be true to yourself.
4. Plan breaks.  As you make your plans, include downtime for everyone. The introverts in your family will be especially grateful. The extroverts will benefit more than they may want to admit.
5. Arrive early. Sensitive, perceptive spirited kids can easily be overwhelmed by crowds. By arriving early, you allow your children to acclimate to the setting and greet new guests a few at a time. Stimulation levels increase gradually rather than arriving late and opening a door to barrage of noise, smells, and emotions that strike like a tornado.

During the holidays be kind – to yourself as well as others. 

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