Tips for the Holidays, Or How to Stay Sane

If you have recently suffered a loss, the holidays may seem to be lurking reaching to crush you, or

you just feel so stressed that you want to be able to enjoy this time of year istead of dreading it,  here are some tips that can help you feel more in tune with yourself.

1) Downsize, keep your activities manageable.  Perhaps you used to bake and enjoy that activity.  Now it feels like a huge hassle.  You can change what you do.  You don’t have to do the same thing year after year.  You can change your traditions.  You can put out veggies and humus and nuts and fruits.  It is alot simpler and alot healthier.

2)Prioritize, What is really important for you, your family and friends.  Cut out the activities that are overwhelming and hold on to those that really work for you.

3)Delegate, you don’t have to do everything from cleaning to cooking to making the house beautiful.  You can ask for help, you can do less, you can hire someone to come in and clean.  You can make less food and ask others to bring certain dishes for the holidays.

4) Incorporate some new traditions, have the Christmas  or Chanukah dinner at some one else’s house.  Have more singing and music, have more fun.

5) Simplify, all of the above suggestions and incorporate some of your own.  Remember the holidays are about love and friendship.