Wow … can you believe we are almost halfway through December? The last month of the year?
Thanksgiving has come and gone for those of us in the US and our Canadian friends across the border, and Holiday shopping is in full swing. Christmas trees, Menorahs and a variety of holiday decorations have taken over my social media feed. Holiday party invitations have been coming in fast and furious. I love this time of year; the spirit of the holidays, the joy of the season, the magic in the air … but boy oh boy can it be overwhelming.
The shopping, the list-making, the card writing, the decorating, the dinners, the wrapping, the entertaining, the out-the-window-with-routine of it all. It’s a lot to handle, and as much fun as the holidays can be, they sure can cause a heap of stress for the self-employed. All of the family commitments on top of client gifts, and running a business? It’s a lot!
Let’s see what we can do to take some of the pain out of the season, so your holiday celebrations can be as merry as possible.
Terry’s Holiday Survival Guide
Do not compete. Whether it’s your decorations, the amount you spend on gifts, the volume of stuff under your tree … don’t give in to the pressure to compete with your friends, relatives, acquaintances, or in business! Social media puts a LOT of pressure on an already stressful time of year. The moment you stop trying to compete with others, is the moment you’ll begin to feel more joy and less stress this time of year. And that’s what the upcoming holiday season should be all about … love, joy, peace.
Don’t say yes to everything. There will likely be several holiday invitations for you to consider. Make a point of deciding which events you don’t want to miss, and which ones you can stand to sit out. There are a limited number of dates available during the holiday season, so make each one count. If you can’t stand the thought of returning to the terrible neighborhood party you attended last year … don’t go! This will free you up to really enjoy the time you’re spending with the people you want to be with. (Perhaps a dinner date with your significant other would be a better use of your time than Great Aunt Sue’s holiday buffet?)
Take time for you. With all the hustle and bustle and go-go-go, on top of operating a business, it’s easy to burn out. Don’t let this happen! Make sure to take plenty of time to rest. Sit back and admire the beauty of your tree. Go for a walk or drive to admire the holiday lights. Curl up by the fire with a good book, a cup of tea (or beverage of choice), and your own lovely company. By the way, the time you spend wrapping gifts, standing in line, baking for the neighborhood cookie exchange? Those things don’t count as “me” time. I’m talking about things you do just for yourself.
I sincerely hope this holiday season is filled with peace and joy and time with your loved ones and friends. I am extremely thankful for everyone reading this article.
