(12/2024) The holidays are upon us and so is the overwhelming list of things to do. For so many this list can cause stress which can lead to emotional and even physical issues. The holidays are suppose to be a time of joy, happiness, love and togetherness but for some trying to achieve what people see as holiday bliss can cause just the opposite. We put so much pressure on ourselves to plan, put together and present a perfect holiday that we forget the real meaning, to gather and share with family and friends.

I know there are so many extra things to do to prepare for the special day. Buying gifts, wrapping them, baking cookies and special treats, mailing cards and sometimes preparing our house for visitors. All these things can and should be fun but sometimes they turn into overwhelming chores. Maybe this year you can choose one or two things that you use to do and either alter them to be less time consuming or you could delegate a few of the traditions or events to a member of your family or a friend. I have found that as the kids or grand kids get older some of the traditions we had are more important to us than to the kids. People grow and change and some of the things we always did, thinking it is so important to our family, can be altered a bit. Talking to the family and friends may be a good way to see how important the holiday events are to them and see how you can make things a little easier on yourself. I know it's hard because they may be important to you and a bit upsetting when you find out you were putting a lot of time and work into something you thought they really liked only to find out they have outgrown the event. I'm certainly not saying give up treasured family traditions, just see if you can ease the work on yourself or maybe let someone else take over the chore.

No matter if we change and lessen our workload during the holidays or not we still need to take a little time for ourselves. I know to most people this sounds impossible but is very important for our health. While you are making your list of things to do be sure to include a little time to sit and have a cup of tea, take a short walk, do some kind of exercise. Taking this time to recharge yourself can be beneficial to both mind and body. You can turn some of the extra jobs during the holidays into a way to relieve your stress. Turn on the Christmas music or whatever music you enjoy while wrapping the gifts. Get together with a friend to bake the cookies and share them. This way you lessen your workload and socialize at the same time. Let the kids decorate the tree, they will have a great time doing it and will take one less thing off your list.

Some ways to ease the stress during the holidays is meditation, listening to music, taking a walk, yoga or whatever you enjoy. Don't think you don't have the time. Take the time and you will get everything done and still take time for yourself. I have found that some things I thought were so important and things I had been doing for years can be altered, eliminated and nobody misses them. Planning ahead and preparing whatever food you can a few days early is a great way to give you time to enjoy the day with your loved ones. Sometimes you can even make a few dishes and freeze them. As I mentioned before delegate some of the food preparation or chores to others. They will like helping you and they will feel more a part of the celebration.

The most important gift you can give yourself and your loved ones is you being healthy and happy. That means taking care of yourself and taking time for yourself. The holidays will always be a busy time of year and probably a bit stressful but making time for yourself will always be beneficial.

Exercise, meditation, yoga and doing what you enjoy are the best gifts you can give yourself and you deserve it!

Remember to keep moving, you'll be glad you did when all the celebrating is over.