How NOT to be a Grinch

Photo by Geoffrey Moffett on Unsplash

It’s true, I’m a grinch this year. While everyone else is singing, ‘Tis the Season to be Jolly . . . this commercial contracts attorney is singing ‘Tis the Season for Contract Redlining . . .

I’m at quarter end at work and this means numerous contract negotiations with tight deadlines. Add this to normal life and the extra that the holidays bring. Point: This busy lady is exhausted and turning into a grinch.

I had such great ideas for this Christmas post, for example. I outlined a modern-day short story version of A Christmas Carol with a twist . . . but didn’t have time to write it. I jotted down notes on the top lessons I’ve learned from Christmas movies and gave up when I only had time to watch Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer (key lesson–your differences make you special!).

All this and the fact that this time of year can be especially challenging when you’ve lost those you love. In the last few years, I lost my dad and my aunt who I was close to (we grew up together in the same house like sisters), not to mention all the other family members that have long passed, including my grandparents. I work extra hard to keep things jolly at home for my kids and focus on the now. Still, I can’t help but think about those I miss when I stare at family heirloom ornaments on our tree and hear Elvis sing Blue Christmas.

Which brings me to the point of this post. All of this got me thinking . . . maybe I’d share some quick tips on how NOT to be a grinch with you! Because I'm fed up with being a grinch, quite frankly. No one should be a grinch this time of year!

So, here are my tips:

1. Stop Doing It All. If you can’t get it done, then don’t. That simple. Do you have to bake cookies? No, support your local bakery instead. Can someone else do the wrapping? Ask. Delegate, delegate, delegate. You can only do so much.

2. Stop Looking for the Perfect Present. Really. Don’t be so hard on yourself. I am always worrying if someone will like what I give. Will it be special enough? Stop worrying. The fact you thought of them, bought a present and delivered it is enough. Don’t get me wrong, I believe in the spirit of giving. The truth is, if you’re worried about if your present is good enough, it means it probably is.

3. Say No. You don’t have to attend every holiday outing. Do what you can when you can. Sure, it’s great to get together with those you love, but sometimes, let’s face it–the parties can be overwhelming. One year between work and home, I had something like nine parties in a week. That’s more than one on some days. There are only so many ugly sweater and cookie swaps you can participate in. 

4. When Work is Done, Act Like It. This is particularly challenging if you work remotely (like me). With major deadlines and lots of asks–it’s easy to work late into the night. Remember, it’s okay to stop, take a rest. Put on your favorite holiday movie, music, etc. Allow yourself to be present in the moment.

5. Done is Good Enough. This wraps into #2, Stop Looking for the Perfect Present. Likewise, you don’t have to get every holiday tradition perfect. Got an elf on the shelf but no time to move him? Set him up with some tissues and a note that he’s sick. Want to fill out holiday cards while listening to Christmas carols and sipping wine? Screw it. Put an address and a stamp on an envelope and send it out (or if you can’t even get to that, then forget it). Stop worrying about if you have the perfect gift, wrapping paper, holiday menu, etc. You’ll burn yourself out trying to mimic Hallmark Holiday movies. I mean, they have an entire team that dresses them and decorates their sets – it’s a fake television special after all!

CONCLUSION

What matters most is how YOU show up to the ones you love. If you fret too hard trying to get it all done, you’ll find yourself exhausted, cranky and a plain grinch.

Be patient with yourself and don’t forget to take time to take care of you! If you can get away even for just a minute, do it. This past week I was lucky enough to get a surprise splurge massage at the local spa, gifted from my daughter. Wow was it amazing! Even if you can’t get to a spa, you can turn on some relaxing music, take a nap, read your favorite book, or find time to watch your favorite holiday movie. For me–I’ll be curling up with It’s a Wonderful Life . . . . because it IS a wonderful life! Don’t forget it!

I hope these tips helped! If you have any additional tips, please comment below.

Until then, I wish you all a merry and blessed holiday season!

Xoxo

Sarah

AKA A Busy Lady

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