How to Connect to the Spirit of the Holiday Season

Posted by Ian McKenzie

Written on December 11, 2008

The pages of the calendar fly off the wall and your holiday to-do list only seems to grow longer. Suddenly, the spirit of the season starts to disappear in all the errand-running, crowd-battling and fatigue of the season. Before you find yourself muttering “bah humbug,” try these tips for rediscovering the joy of the holidays.

Get outside.

Don’t let the beauty of this time of year go unnoticed. Snowy days, icicles dangling from the eaves, crisp air, and outdoor activities like tobogganing, skiing or ice skating are all reminders of the enchantment of the season. Take some time to get outside and reconnect with your surroundings.

Take care of your health.

The holiday season can create stress on your mind and body. Ensure you get the sleep and exercise you need to make it to the New Year. Don’t skip meals; eat a balanced diet. Remember: it’s easier to get into a festive mood when you’re well-rested and not under the weather.

Get together.

Unless you’re absolutely relishing the idea of spending the holidays alone, it’s good to get out and socialize at this time of year. The flurry of activity around mixing and mingling can take your mind off the shorter days, colder temperatures and stresses of life. Accept invitations from friends and family. If none are offered, consider extending a few of your own.

Scale back.

Sometimes doing less can give you more time to focus on the things that really matter. If it’s your seasonal tradition to decorate, for example, consider scaling back this year – a wreath and a few strings of lights can lift your spirits just as much as week-long decorating extravaganza.

Control the credit crunch.

Overextending your budget by putting holiday purchases on credit now will make for stress later. When you pay for items with cash, you’ll see how much you’re spending, will be less inclined to spend more than you can afford and avoid a January holiday budget hangover.

Give with care.

It is the heart of the giver that makes the gift precious. Though you might like to believe you can find the perfect gift at the last minute, great gift ideas come to those who plan. Keep your eyes and ears open to your recipients’ wishes throughout the year. And don’t hesitate to ask the recipient’s friends and family members for advice.

Appreciate the good things in life.

Though during busy times you may wonder what the effort is for; every now and then it’s important to sit down, put aside the difficulties and stresses of life and reflect on the things you do have. By focusing on the good things, you not only gain an important bit of perspective, but will draw more positive energy toward you.

Give of yourself.

Volunteering to serve meals to the homeless or collecting food and presents for families in need can do wonders to take your mind off your own problems, set a great example for co-workers and relatives and help you really appreciate your own good fortune.

Dealing with the many stresses of the holiday season can be a challenge. By taking time to simplify and enjoy the most meaningful parts of the holidays, relish the company of family and friends, and reflect on all you do have, you’re not only more likely to minimize the demands on your pocket and time, but also re-inject your world with the true spirit of the holiday season.

with material from Shepell-fgi