As fall descends, it’s hard to ignore the inevitable influx of holiday messages, competing for your early commitment. Themed catalogs, Internet blasts, store sales and window dressings are suddenly rampant with all things pumpkins, turkeys, red and green. When you contemplate the impending season, how do you feel? Excitement? Ambivalence? Dread? Your attitude depends on past experiences and future expectations. The good news is, regardless of the ideas you may hold about the holidays, it is possible to make this year’s celebrations more about merriment than misery.
If you are looking forward to the twinkling lights, classic tunes, sugarplum sweets and incessant socializing, you have mastered the art of enjoyment. If there is some trepidation in your contemplation, rest assured, that is part of the package.
Here is an article for which I was recently interviewed, for some hints on how to relish the season, starting now: How To Reduce Holiday Stress. Cheers, dears!
Faith,
Congratulations on your great interview! Maybe we still have some time till holiday season, but, time is flying – we’ll be taking out Christmas decorations soon :-).
Your hints on how to relish the season, are also great hints for me on how to overcome and deal with any big family/friends’ gatherings. Either it is a big birthday party, or some entertaining party we are in charge of – it may cause stress. For me it’s mostly because of expecting too much from myself. And you are so right – when we are overwhelmed instead of emanating love, we emanate negative energy.
I also really like what you’d written about focusing on peoples’ strength. Very often I just want to be done with a family gathering because of some “friendly” aunt, for example. But answering a simple question I read in your interview “What if you were never to see a particular person again, can make a whole difference in my attitude toward that “friendly” aunt.
Faith, again, congratulations and thank you for a great post! Very useful hints on not just how to relish the season, but any gatherings – yes, it should be joyful and fun;-).
Teresa,
So glad you found it helpful. Even though it’s still hot outside, I suppose it’s never too soon to have a good attitude. You sure seem to have that down. Enjoy!