If you listen to the music from store speakers, read the advertisements in television and radio, and go through the steadily increasing weight of holiday catalogs, you would presume that holidays are all about fun, frolic and food. The holidays are much more than just these things. They can also become times of stress, and depression and may overwhelm a person. It’s not that the holidays bring us down – it is just that sometimes we expect too much from ourselves – and too much from the holidays.

Here are a few thoughts about how to make these last days of the year more enjoyable and relaxing oneself.

First – simplify. Too often people try to make the holidays more than what they need to be. They fill up
their time with expectations and attempts “to do it right”. They want this year to be the biggest and best ever. One must set reasonable expectations for himself before the season begins. One needs to ask himself a question, “Was I exhausted after the last year holiday season? Was there no time to sit and enjoy the music, the food or the season or whatever he/she wanted to do was skipped? If that is the case, one needs to do more of what he wants, and less of what he does not want. Finding ways to limit the things one has to do is the key. For a healthy vacation, one must choose which social events to go for.

It is good to say no when needed and yes when wanted. One must have time to enjoy – and not just rush off to the next party. As the season ends, one must feel satisfied.

Next – one must be realistic about how the season might feel this year. Holidays sometimes amplify events and sadness of the past year. Both joys and sorrows seem larger when the holidays arrive. Changes as joyful as births, and as painful as deaths can bring to mind a confusing collection of thoughts and feelings. This year, acknowledge the truth of the life.

If the year had more lows, find someone to share the memories and feelings with. Share stories of holidays that remind of the goodness of people, and not only the sadness. If the family has grown, or life experiences have changed the meaning of “family,” one should try family outings. New actions this year become the traditions of the next year.

Finally – one must take out time for oneself. It is too easy to forget oneself at this time of year and sway in the mood of trending events. This is a season of food, fun, and rushing around to fit it all in. One must take the time to exercise, say no to overindulging in the great foods of the season, and remember to appreciate the people he loves. If the season has a religious meaning for a person, he must reflect and enjoy all that means. It is too easy to let the demands of the world push out the deeper meaning the season may have for one. If a person can do these things, the season can mean so much more and when it is over… one can be thankful to oneself for chasing the heart to have an exhilarating holiday!