It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Here are 7 things to remember to make sure this holiday season is the best one yet.
Don’t let the weather get you down.
This point isn’t really relevant if you live in a tropical climate or if you enjoy the winter time, but if you don’t fall into either one of these categories, don’t let the weather affect your mood this holiday season. Unfortunately, you can’t control if it’s going to snow or if there’s going to be a -40 degree wind chill. Therefore, don’t let something out of your control affect how you feel or act during this time of year. You might not enjoy it, but it’s important to learn how to tolerate it.
Drive safe.
If you live in a place like Minnesota, you know that the roads can get dangerously slippery once covered in ice. While obviously it is always important to be a safe driver, it is even more so once you add icey roads and windy snow storms into the mix. Stay alert and cautious when driving in these dangerous conditions. You don’t want to ruin yours, or someone else’s holiday season.
Indulge yourself.
This is the time of year where there is food everywhere. There is no getting away from it. Whether your guilty pleasure is the Christmas cookies or the mashed potatoes, don’t waste your time feeling bad about what you’re eating. Drink that extra glass of eggnog or take that extra scoop of green bean casserole. The holiday season only comes around once a year and you don’t want to regret not taking advantage of the delicious food around you. After all, what are New Year’s resolutions for anyway?
Put the phone down.
Focus your time spent with loved ones on them, and not technology. There is a time for socializing via cell phone, and another for talking face to face. Remember which one is which and really cherish your time spent with friends and family around this time of year.
Stay healthy.
‘Tis the season to get sick. Between the wind and cold (if you live in northern half of the country), and all of the sick people and germs around you, remember to take care of your health. Drink plenty of water, bundle up when going outside, and get enough sleep. The holidays are much more fun when you are well enough to enjoy them.
It is about giving, not getting.
There’s no doubt it feels good to get whatever gifts were on your list this year, but I’m here to tell you, it feels even better to give that feeling to someone else. Don’t focus so much on whether or not you get what you wanted; focus on how you can make someone else’s holiday season better. Giving doesn’t always involve buying something at the mall and wrapping it up in ribbons and bows. Sometimes, all it takes is a smile or a good conversation to spread joy around this time of year.
Stress less.
It is easy to let the busyness of the holiday season get to you. There is shopping, baking, decorating, planning and so many other things that need to be done. Don’t let all of these things take away from the joyous spirit of the season. While these little things might seem important, you will soon realize that the stress caused by worrying about them is not worth it. Try to focus on bigger things and enjoy yourself this holiday season.
