Holiday How-To: Skip the Stress!

The holiday season is upon us, and people are feeling stressed as they attempt to create a perfect holiday. Some are worried about house guests and dinner menus while others are concerned with finding just the right gift. Then there are those who are just downright worn out and don’t know how they are going to fit it all in! It seems that the desire to live up to the image of the perfectly wrapped gift under the perfectly decorated tree, with perfectly dressed and mannered people all around has driven many of us to the point of dreading the holidays. Yet, in our heart-of-hearts we know that the image we strive to live up to is nothing more than a manufactured view of “perfection”. No one can possibly achieve it!

So what is the key to a perfect holiday? How can we skip the stress and just enjoy ourselves?

Give up believing that you (or the people around you) have to be perfect in order to have a warm, loving, and meaningful time with your loved ones! Laugh when the smoke detector goes off — of course after any flames are extinguished — humor your relative who can’t resist asking when you are going to get married… or when you are going to have kids… or why Janie can’t sit still.

Let your son or daughter dress themselves, even if their top and pants don’t match; and open your heart to the craziness that the holidays bring. Cherish these moments for what they are: the opportunity to get connected with your loved ones and friends.

As we enter our 2nd pandemic holiday season, we all should’ve learned by now that nothing can replace moments spent connecting with those you love - no matter how challenging they may be!

My best to you and yours for a very Happy Holiday Season!