Holiday Tips For Creating More Joy and Making Time for YOU

We all know that as wonderful and magical as the holidays are, they can also be filled with stress, anxiety, exhaustion and just are sometimes “too much”. What we truly need is a balance and ideas on how to keep the magic and joy at this time of year.

There are so many little things that will bring balance and smiles back into our lives – and they don’t take much effort at all! Here are some ways for you to create space and allow that joy and magic of the season to come into your life.

Looking back on this year I again have so much to be thankful for. For many of us it was a year of gifts and losses. One thing that was reinforced is that we need to receive as well as give. We are prolific givers – of our time, our hearts, and our energy – which is wonderful. It is so important that we step back and also receive, to allow ourselves to ask for support or guidance. We find that there are so many people right there who love to give the gift of their love to us, if we just say yes and thank you.

I want to say how grateful I am for all of you and for all of your support. It has made me smile so much. Giving back to you, here are some ideas I have shared before but are back by popular demand to share again for this 2023 holiday season.

The 12 Days Of Joy

Here are 12 tips on bringing more joy to your holidays:

1. Pleasing others or pleasing yourself? This is the time for you to be joyful and happy too.  If you are constantly saying yes or wanting to please others, take a break. You need to put on the oxygen mask first before giving away everything of yourself to others.
2. Relationships – Being TogetherStep back and literally count the blessings in your life. Many of us know too well how fleeting time can be so rather than be upset with your family or friends, step back and think of just one good thing they bring to your life.
3. Relationships – Being Alone
   I know too well how terribly difficult and painful it can be to lose someone dear. Seek out others who are alone. It is a gift for you both.
4. Let It Go!When we get overwhelmed, it is time to take a pause before we are depleted.Take a pause – take a breath and then ask two questions: “How important is it?” and “Is this under my control?”
5. Spending Money
   The most thoughtful gifts don’t need to be extravagant. Be creative, do some research, plan an experience, some time with you, rather than an expensive purchase.
6. A Time for Laughter
   Above all else, look for the laughter, the happiness around you.  Laugh at yourself, find pleasure in simple things. Dance! Sing! Watch Elf.
7. Create a Legacy
   Create a new holiday tradition – or honor an old one –giving memories for now and the future.
8. What Fills you Up?
   Here is a great exercise – make three columns on a piece of paper. At the top of each, draw a Smiley Face, a Neutral Face, and a Frowning Face. List the things that give you joy, that are okay, and those that feelings that are draining/negative.  Then decide where you want to put your energy.
9. Create Options
   Rather than be on autopilot all the time, step back and ask yourself- how else can I do this? What else can I do? Can I allow myself to not do this?
10. Respond, not React
    There is a big difference between these two words. React is about
    being on autopilot (see #9). Respond is to be in thoughtful control of our feelings and actions.
11. Why Not?
    Give yourself permission to live a little lighter, happier, crazier. It’s a time for cheer – just ask why not?
12. Just Be
    Ahhh – the feeling of just being. Being You. Being happy. Being quiet. Being loving.  Or just Be.

My wish is that these ideas will help carry you through the holidays with a bit more lightness and love. Remember to breathe and smile and enjoy each moment we have.

Take a few moments to reflect on what this means in your life, right now.