Surviving the Holidays
How to Beat Holiday Hustle Burnout
Hey Readers!
I don’t know about you, but I’m not yet ready for the holidays. Sure, I’ve got my tree up. Yes, I ordered (most) all the presents. But I haven’t wrapped. Haven’t planned Christmas dinner. And the gingerbread “beach house” I’m going to make with my kids is still sitting in the box.
In years past, I’ve been a victim to “Holiday Hustle Burnout.” Years ago, when my daughter was little, I had the grand idea we were going to bake cookies for everyone we knew. And not just one type of cookie. Like five types of cookies. Dozens of them.
It was all fun at first, until about two hours later when the kitchen was splashed with sugar and flour, and I found my daughter, four, fast asleep next to multiple cookie sheets of rounded dough at the kitchen table. Ready to collapse myself, I ran my buttered hands through my tangled hair as I wondered, why didn’t we just bake one dozen and watch Christmas movies instead?
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve come a long way since then. But let’s face it. Between the holiday parties, the present buying, the wrapping, the secret santa swaps, holiday parades, light gazing, church or other religious services, gingerbread house making, and those darn elves that show up to “hide” and cause trouble on every parent’s Instagram, it’s no wonder we’re all exhausted. Not to mention that life doesn’t stop at the holidays. We’ve still got bills to pay, homes to clean, and other things that need doing. It’s a wonder any of us have any holly jolly left!
All this got me thinking. Have you ever asked yourself, what kind of holiday do you really want?
What if you said no to the extra parties (and extra cookie baking) and instead focused on the true things that will make the season brighter?
Here are some tips to avoid (hopefully) the Holiday Hustle Burnout:
1. You can say no.
I know, we all know this. But it’s easy to forget sometimes, especially when the holiday pressure is on. One year, work alone had something like three holiday parties. You don’t have to go to them all. Really, you don’t. You also don’t have to bake a hundred cookies (order from a local bakery). Lesson learned.
2. You don’t need to go into debt.
Add up everything you usually spend on the holidays. I mean everything. Not just the presents, the food, the outings. I mean, even that extra nail manicure, holiday sweater, or whatever it is you spend on. The number might shock you. Now, think about how else that money could be used. Paying off a bill? Save for a trip? A class you always wanted to take? Donate to a charity? I’m not saying not to buy presents for others. I’m saying you don’t need to go into debt while doing it.
3. You don’t need to fret over the perfect gift.
Stop worrying about if you got the perfect gift for everyone. Really. And stop buying stuff that’s just going to end up in everyone’s basement by next year. Instead, try this rule: something they need, something to read, or something to inspire/empower. Some ideas? Gift cooking classes, museum membership, a trip to the spa, tickets to a show.
4. Do what you like.
How many holiday seasons have you lived so far? If you live to be a 100, how many are left? Do you really want to spend them doing things that burn you out or cause stress? Think of something that would make this season extra special. Just one thing. For me, I’d really like to go see the holiday lights with my family, so I’ll make that a priority. But I don’t have to watch every holiday movie or do the zillion other things. Remember, it’s about presence, not presents. If you overload your schedule, you’re just going to turn into Grinch because you're so burnt out.
5. Slow down.
Instead of adding more to your to do list, take something off! Kick back, relax, explore a beautiful place, take a nap, a bubble bath, meditate, whatever truly brings you joy and helps you recharge.
Last, but not least, be easy on yourself.
The holidays are tough on a lot of us, especially when we miss loved ones, or are dealing with grief or other stressors that want to suck the holiday spirit right out of us. Be gentle with yourself. Be gentle with others too. And if you are feeling that holiday spirit, own it! Put on that silly holiday sweater. You only get to wear it once a year.
Till Next Time,
Sarah
AKA A Busy Lady
PS
Here’s the Latest Book News!
A special thank you to Kidtivity and Two Dogs Coffee Co. that tagged ALL THESE THREADS OF TIME in special shout outs online this week!
Also, a special thank you to Eastern Connecticut State University, who also published this piece in Eastern Magazine.
Another big thank you to Barnes & Noble in Warwick Rhode Island for their social media for the upcoming Local Author Extravaganza! I can’t wait to be a part of this event on Friday, December 13th from 4:30-7:30 with so many talented writers. I’ll be there selling signed copies of All These Threads of Time and Rebel Writers! Stop on by!
Last but not least, thank YOU for being a supporter of my work and for subscribing to A Busy Lady. I appreciate you so much! I’ve started my writing my next book-another YA thriller. I can’t wait to share it with you all!
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These are very helpful tips, thank you!
A! Happy Wholly Daze!
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whatever . . . .