Holiday Magic 2012 newsletter
Holiday Magic
The holidays are magical times…if you can bring all of the puzzle pieces together in time to feel organized and in control OR if you totally give in and let the holiday’s flow – come what may, it won’t bother you.
Where does your propensity lie? Do you make endless lists to check off or do you follow the just-in-time philosophy?
Perhaps you do well checking off your tasks starting with Black Friday after Thanksgiving and slowly give in to “whatever” by about December 21.This actually describes my holiday behavior. I have far more ideas for magical moments than I have time and the physical energy to push and pull my family through. So even though I teach time management, I forget to prioiritize at Christmas. Everything sounds so fun and I think we can do it all.
The “we can do it all” philosophy causes Christmas distress, not Christmas magic. To prioritize your holiday fun remember:
1. Place the greatest emphasis on those activities that build warm memories.
2. Emphasize the quality of the activities, not the quantity of activities.
3. To simplify where ever you can: decorations, food, gifts.
Give yourself space to feel the magic.
Another personal habit that destroys holiday magic is the inability to make decisions. For instance, how much time do you spend deciding to trim your yard in multi-colored lights or just white lights? How much emotional distress have you experienced trying to decide whether to send hand signed and personally stamped Christmas cards or to pick your favorite e-card where snow falls and lights twinkle, then blast it immediately to your entire distribution list? Do you waste precious minutes standing in front of the cooler in the grocery store wondering which your guests would prefer, Eggnog or Boiled Custard?
To handle these little dilemmas, remember these decision-making rules:
1. In matters of little consequence, decide quickly. Multi-colored light or white lights both serve the purpose of lighting up your yard.
2. If there is a sentimental reason for hand-stamped Christmas cards, send them. They will probably be lovingly opened and reread.
3. Buy both Eggnog and Boiled Custard and let your guests choose.
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“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” ~ Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States
Great reminder to all of us to enjoy the time spent with those we care about and stop freaking out over little things (for a few days, at least).