It's that time of year again: Thanksgiving dinner, Black Friday shopping, canceled flights, traffic, dealing with the in-laws, co-parenting with the ex - the list goes on and on.
Here are my top 5 ways to make this holiday season better:
1. Plan ahead. I am the queen of making a list and Santa learned to check it twice from me. I start my morning with a pen and pad, writing down all of the day's appointments, tasks, etc. and then I promptly free up that space in my mind. I no longer have to "remember" to XYZ because it's on the list. If the list isn't completed by the day's end, I transfer the incomplete items to the next day. No need to clutter my mind with these things.
2. Prioritizes your priorities. What matters vs. what matters more. This can be done with your notepad. Figure out what is etched in stone and what's written in chalk and complete accordingly. Be realistic with yourself here, everything is not a 4-alarm fire so don't treat things that way. Do what's important then do what's left.
3. Say no. This time of year, it is so easy to overextend ourselves. If you let them, family and friends will have you all over the place doing all sorts of things. It is ok to say no. I know several people whose holidays don't look like the holidays they experienced growing up. Don't get me wrong, spending time with family is paramount, BUT, if it costs you your sanity, peace of mind, or leaves you feeling drained, JUST SAY NO. To you reading this, YOU are more important than those traditions. Prioritize yourself this year.
4. Don't overthink your contribution. If you just cannot manage the $200 gift that you would really like to purchase, the $50.00 option is just as good or better, buy the $50.00 gift. Who hasn't bought a gift then thought, this isn't good enough and commenced to buying other gifts to compensate for what you thought the first gift lacked? I'm guilty! But let me tell you this, when you give from your heart that is the supreme gift, hands down. If the recipient isn't appreciative of your efforts, take their name of your list for next year. No need to be giving your heart away like that.
5. Last and definitely not least, GIVE GRACE this holiday season. We are all going through something. Someone is spending their first holiday season without a loved one. Someone else is worried about making the rent AND providing for their family. The little old lady you are blowing at in traffic is just driving to the store to get her grandbabies a gift or two, her husband used to do it but he's unable to drive now. Don't forget to give yourself grace too. You are only human, don't beat yourself up over every little thing. Love on your friends and family this holiday season. We are all doing the best we can.
Happy holidays from your favorite photographer,
Erica
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