Once again, we come to the Holiday Season, a deeply religious time that each of us observes, in his own way, by going to the mall of his choice. Dave Barry
What would happen if the elves went on strike and Santa had to shop at the mall to fill his sleigh? Do you think he would get a bit stressed out enduring the hustle, bustle and bone-crunching competition of Black Friday shopping? Do you think he’d be his usually jolly self if he didn’t have the help of the elves to get it all done?
Seeing the panic in Santa’s eyes reminded me of two more tips I want to share to help you enjoy this holiday season:
1. Ask for help: When our children were young, we started collecting holiday village pieces. Our collection grew over the years to the point that we need an area of about four feet by eight feet to display it. It’s a huge job lugging the 20 or so boxes down from the attic, unpacking all the pieces and putting the village together. It used to take me an entire day to get it done while the kids were at school and my husband was at work.
One year, I just didn’t have the energy to do it. Eventually someone noticed it wasn’t getting done and panic ensued. My response: “If you want the village up, then you have to help.” They did and we’ve enjoyed doing it together every year since. Besides creating a treasured family tradition, I learned a valuable lesson: I had to stop taking on all the responsibility and others were happy to pitch in if I let them.
2. Prioritize enjoyment: I like to bake holiday cookies. It takes time, creates mess and makes you tired, but it’s fun. Cleaning the entire house also takes time, creates mess and makes you tired, but it’s not fun. That’s the difference. There are some “jobs” we like and others we don’t. Make sure to prioritize the jobs you like. That’s what brings enjoyment into the season.
In the past, I often felt like the holiday season handed me yet another part-time job, with deadlines. This year, I really want to focus on enjoying myself and sharing the spirit of the holidays with my family. Do you have more tips for me on how to better relax and enjoy this holiday season?
Survival > Existence,
Debbie
Where We Go Now 
Comments
Great advice and timely too.
Great advice and timely too. Son #2 just helped me lug up my Snow Village boxes from the basement. Putting the village up is still my job though… But gosh just having him help with getting them into my living room is an enormous help. I have vowed not to get into that panic mode, even with the short amount of time between TG and Christmas this year. I’ll see how that goes… Thanks for the post.
Have A Panic-Free Holiday!
Hi Nancy:
We put up our village yesterday. All those boxes and electrical cords drive me crazy! I started getting overwhelmed at one point (of course I moved on to two or three additional jobs.) The good news is that I recognized it and sat myself down and relaxed for a while. The holidays can be a very taxing. I’m trying to pace myself (and ask for help) so we all have a relaxing holiday. Happy Holidays!
Survival > Existence,
Debbie