Christmas Survival

Christmas Hassle Survival Kit

Your browser may not support display of this image.The holidays are here again and most of us look forward to family get-togethers, religious celebrations, choosing just the "perfect" gifts for our loved ones and eating the scrumptious, rich holiday foods (YES!). For many of us, this is the time of year we embrace and savor wonderful, warm memories. Such as the anticipation and wonder we enjoyed as starry eyed children trying, but not too hard, to fall asleep on Christmas Eve. Whether we were delighted by the countdown to Santa's visit, Hanukkah presents or other customs, we were enthralled by the season.

Not surprisingly, the Holiday Season can be filled with unreasonable expectations. We are only human (write that ten times). At this time of the year our schedules are thrown to the wind and many additional tasks are piled onto our full, busy lives. And, not all of us are thrilled speechless with anticipation when we ponder spending more time with our blond and law kin. Sure we love them, but, perhaps, not all at once. Dysfunction happens in the holiday season, possibly more than any other time of the year. To add another challenge, financially, Christmas can be a tsunami overwhelming our budgets.

Therefore, the question remains, how do we enjoy an absolutely fabulous holiday with our beloveds without spirit stealing Grinches? Well, let's make a list and check it twice.

Holidays Grinches:

• Social Isolation
• Family disharmony
• Environmental stressors
• Financial obligations
• Inflexible schedules
• Under utilization of the "No" word
• Perfectionism
• Unfortunate "mirthlessness"

There is hope. There are books, DVDs and gifts for "ourselves" that help us survive and keep smiling long after the fruit cake is just a memory. Begin your Christmas transformation with a huge smile. I am not talking about the kind of smile that precedes a court ordered commitment. I mean a genuine external sign of internal serenity, love and joyfulness. In fact, this holiday season could be a great time to learn more about you.

I have made a list of wholesome treatments for the Season Blues. Have a wonderful holiday and a very Merry Christmas!

• Warm flannel pajamas
• A new book (or reread a favorite)
• Hot chocolate
• Steamy cup of coffee (why not share)
• A bubble bath
• A phone conversation with an old (or new) friend
• A nice cashmere robe
• A long walk
• A trip to the gym
• Send out Christmas e-cards
• Wrap some presents (they pile up)
• Make Christmas cookies and share with friends
• Visit someone who can't get out
• Listen to old Christmas music
• Share a fabulous holiday hugv
• Pet your dog
• Use a relaxation CD to unwind
• Buy a small present for YOU
• Go to a Christmas party dressed all in red
• Smile
• Hug a teddy bear

Remember, the perfect present need not be expensive, just well thought out. I would love a couple of glass baking dishes. Mine just seem to disappear. When I need one to bake something (not very often) it is not to be found. If in doubt, ask your friends and family for suggestions. Their answers may surprise you. If your gift turns out to be unwanted, they can always return it--don't fret. Or, you can give gift certificates and let your family do the running around. It isn't cheating -- I promise. Now, head to the gym... I'll see you there…

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