Holiday Overwhelm Simplified
Debbye
Okay – I would love some enlightenment and ideas for simplifying the holidays. We have 4 birthdays, Thanksgiving, a weekend away for just hubby and me, end of semester testing for school, scouting events, a one day convention, special graphics I need to do for the church Christmas celebrations, working on business website, plus Christmas and all those preparations- all in the next 7 weeks. I can’t even imagine making special baked goods, building gingerbread houses and making handmade crafts! How in the world do you simplify? Oops a bit of overwhelm and frustration slipping in there, sorry…
So, if you’re willing to share some ideas, I would truly appreciate words of wisdom before my brain pops.
Suzanne
Dear Suzanne-
I am a real “finding solutions” gal, so here’s the real deal. It sounds like you have allowed too much to come into your calendar. Most of the things you mentioned are choices and how you respond/participate is also a choice. Your expectations of what will “fit” into 7 weeks is unrealistic.
Try putting all the “prep” work that is involved with/ tasks and events on your calendar instead of just the event. This should help you see when your life is getting overly full. For example, block out the time you’ll need to prepare birthday parties (consider one big bash if possible instead of 4). Or do like the Queen of England and spread them out more on the calendar. I understand the Queen’s Birthday is always celebrated in June regardless of the reigning monarch’s actual date of birth. By doing this, everyone could pick more widespread dates and therefore have more personal attention. (Just a suggestion).
Look for other things that might be scheduled into a different time of year and decide if all of these expectation are really worth the stress.
The world will not blow up if you don’t make gingerbread houses or handmade gifts. Those are expectation things you have placed on yourself (or allowed someone to “guilt” you into). Reconsider some of these things.
Bottom line is there is only so much time in the day and com much energy in you. So get real about how much is going to “fit” without making you nuts!
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