With all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s easier than one might expect to get in a funk. To-do lists get bigger, finances get smaller, family expectations are looming and the pressure of ending the year with a bang is at an apex. If the ‘Happiest time of the year’ isn’t so happy for you, you’ve come to the right blog post.
 
While some find great joy in the holiday season, I am here to tell you that you are not alone if you aren’t one of these people. There are great pressures upon us this time of year and without many messages telling us that not everyone has a picture-perfect life, it’s easy to begin feeling as though we are the odd one out. I’m not going to go into details of the possible downward spiral this disconnection could lead to, as I trust you get the picture. 
 
We may not be able to change the pressures or the circumstances or the reactions of our family members…but we can effect change within ourselves. 
 
“Whatever do you mean, Katie?”
 
Well, I’m glad you asked! Here are my 3 quick tips for getting through the Holiday season:
 

1. Take time for yourself: Yes, this is a rave about self-care and if you are feeling stressed out or overwhelmed then I hope you keep reading. It is 100% okay to take a minute, or an hour, or an entire evening for yourself if you need it. I understand feeling pressure to spend every minute with your family when you don’t get to see them often throughout the year, and if you don’t get drained from doing so then great! For my fellow introverts though, down time is necessary to recharge and re-center ourselves. Feeling overwhelmed at the big family dinner party and tired of being asked questions about your future? Take a deep breath and find yourself a quiet space to recollect yourself. 
   
2. Keep a schedule: I know how difficult it can be to keep any part of your routine during this time of year. Between family coming into town, numerous holiday parties and fluctuating work schedules, it’s easy for your steady routine to go out the window. If you can swing it, try making this a priority. Maintaining routine helps keep us sane - especially those of us who deal with anxiety. This could look like keeping up with your workout schedule, continuing to engage in your prayer or journal time, maintaining a healthy diet, etc. Whatever that one thing is for you, I encourage you to make it a priority to continue doing it during this busy season.  
   
3. Accept the imperfections: You want everything to be perfect. I get it. But who said the holidays had to be perfect? Who said you have to go into debt to get the ‘perfect’ gift for so-and-so? Who said you have to attend every single holiday party when those hours are your only down time in the week? I’m not sure where all of these expectations came from, but I am here to invite you into the freedom of acceptance. We are not all-powerful beings; therefore, this world brings to you much you cannot control. When there is this much outside of our control, there are bound to be some things that don’t go according to your plan. When this happens (notice how I didn’t say ‘if this happens’), take a breath and make a mental note to let it go. The Serenity prayer is great for these times: Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. 

 
**If you find other mental notes of acceptance which you have found helpful, I would love to hear them!
 
 
                                Wishing a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all who come across these words!
 
 
 
 

This may not be something many of us think about on a regular basis (or even at all), but our words have so much power in our lives and in the lives of those around us.

Oftentimes it's much easier to be kind to others than it is to be kind to ourself. Perhaps we don't think it matters much the words we say to ourselves throughout the day. I have even heard from some that being stern or mean to oneself acts as a way to motivate. While I may understand the intended logic, research shows quite the opposite view. If you check out Kristin Neff's work on Self-Compassion , you will find all of the information you need to see the benefits of being kind with yourself instead of being so critical.

As we come to the end of masks and ghouls and step into the season of thankfulness, I wonder if we can be a bit more intentional with the words we say to ourselves and to all those who we come in contact with.