Yes, The Holiday Season can be Relaxing, Enjoyable and FUN!

Twas strolling through Costco and what did appear? Why a row full of trappings and holiday cheer! It’s just October I thought, we haven’t even carved our pumpkins yet! It seems every year the Holidays are upon us earlier and earlier and while some people I have met seem to glide through the season without a glitch, many of us find Holiday season the most wonderful stressful time of the year.  Well, I can’t promise all your stress can or will be alleviated, but, my tips below might help you navigate through some of the craziness and lead you to a more relaxing, enjoyable, and fun Holiday season.

1. Start today! Make a detailed list of all the things you need to do: for example, shopping, food, presents, decorations, or travel arrangements.  Keep you list handy and visible. Set “do by dates” and stick to them. For example, “gift shopping completed by December 12th” Remember, it is easier to achieve your goals by writing them down!
2. Sending out Holiday Cards?  Start writing your cards early too!
   Write a few cards and address envelopes each day and get them all ready for mailing in November.
3. Shop online. I was always anti online holiday shopping as I thought it seemed lazy to me. Life lesson, I was wrong!  Shopping online from the comfort of your own home helps to avoid the traffic and crowds and you’ll save time and money (online coupons, cyber sales, free shipping).
4. Don’t skip the gym. During the Holidays, your social calendar combined with everything else can seem overwhelming and exercise can be put on the back burner. Not to mention all the extra calories that may sneak up on you in the form of cookies, cakes, and confections!  Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and helps produce those fuzzy feel good endorphins which can help got you in the holiday spirit.
5. Carve out some “Me “time every day. Find 15 minutes you can dedicate to just you. Maybe go for a walk, or find a quiet place close your eyes and relax, listen to some music, meditate, read a book. Do something just for you that will be calming amidst the chaos.
6. Don't try to do too much. Invites, parties, events oh my! Fatigue, over scheduling, and taking on too many tasks will take their toll. Learn to say no and manage your time wisely. You will have more energy to enjoy the most important part of the season - friends and family.
7. Don’t forget to HAVE FUN! Remember this is your Holiday Season too. We get so caught up in making sure the Holidays are perfect for everyone around us it is so easy to forget about ourselves. Do things that make you happy, and you can share that joy with everyone around you.

 

1. If Disaster strikes…A few years ago, just about 15 minutes before my guests, including, in laws, out laws, friends, relatives and the last minute rsvp’s were to arrive at our home for Christmas dinner, I had pulled out my majestic turkey for a last minute basting. I left it on the oven rack and turned my back for a split second and BOOM. I heard the crash.  Horrified, I spun around and there on the floor was our Christmas dinner being voraciously devoured by my dogs Kingsley and Windsor. I didn’t have time for a meltdown, so with quick thinking and fast dialling I did what anyone would do, I drank a shot of bourbon and ordered Chinese food. My guests that day took it all in stride and we all had a fabulous time. Even better, the “Great Silva Turkey Incident” has gone down in infamy and it will be laughed about and bring beautiful and funny memories for many Christmases to come.
      

So here’s wishing you an amazing, stress free Holiday season!” May all your wishes be bright and may all your turkeys turn out right!”