Don't Let the Grinch Steal the Gift of Your Holiday Spirit
December 14th 2007 04:59
For the kind folks of Whooville, the holidays are a time of celebration and joy while for the Grinch it is a time to feel stressed and unhappy in response to the demands of finding (or stealing) gifts, attending events and family gatherings (whether he was invited or not), and entertaining houseguests (even if it is only a pup!)
Do like Whoovillians and learn from the Grinch.
Simplify the season. It is what it is…a relatively short portion of the year (even though decorations are in stores by Halloween!). Retail merchandising and mass media expectations of how you should be feeling at this time can sometimes be overwhelming. You decide what tradition or activity is meaningful for you and carefully consider the costs and benefits before committing to additional holiday responsibilities. For instance only put out half of your Christmas decorations, wrap all of your gifts in one color of wrapping paper, don’t bake this year, and buy Christmas goodies from the bakery or make 2005 the year that you do not attend the office holiday party. Focus on one area. Find ways in which you can get the most benefit out of a minimal investment. Don’t deck the halls in every room, concentrate on the room where you spend the most time. Do all of your holiday entertaining over one weekend.
Be realistic. Reduce your expectations of self and others. If you do not get along with family members the rest of the year, chances are Christmas will not warm everyone’s heart and contrary to popular opinion, gifts do not improve relationships either. Focus on loved ones and quality experiences.
Remember to engage in random acts of kindness (very un-Grinchlike). Let someone get in line before you, wait while a driver turns before you, or let someone else take the prime parking space at the mall.
Send Christmas cards every other year or send out a Christmas email instead. The most important aspect of this is to keep holiday guilt at bay by remembering that your importance to others does not rely on your ability to throw the best Christmas party, your ability to make table decorations out of “all natural materials…(that aren’t available in your region) or a burned batch of Christmas cookies.
Keep Family Traditions Organic. Remember that as families grow and change, traditions may need to change too. What works with toddlers might not work with teenagers. Be open to change. Variety and creativity can be the catalyst for exciting new traditions. If family is far away create ways to stay in touch with them during the holidays. How about the antiquated art of letter writing or make a date to instant message loved ones?
Plan Family Friendly Encounters. Grownups can become whiney 2 year olds when they try to pack together an entire season of events into a couple of days. During the holidays, adults like toddlers, may experience mood swings and have a hard time expressing themselves when they are over excited or overly tired. Honor that “inner voice” that wants “to go home” or needs a “time out”.
Regroup. Unavoidable mishaps or misunderstanding may happen but laugh, regroup, and remember you can’t control others or events. You can bless and release the gift you had your heart set on but did not receive, the over baked pumpkin pie, and all of the Grinches out there that cross your path!
Do like Whoovillians and learn from the Grinch.
Simplify the season. It is what it is…a relatively short portion of the year (even though decorations are in stores by Halloween!). Retail merchandising and mass media expectations of how you should be feeling at this time can sometimes be overwhelming. You decide what tradition or activity is meaningful for you and carefully consider the costs and benefits before committing to additional holiday responsibilities. For instance only put out half of your Christmas decorations, wrap all of your gifts in one color of wrapping paper, don’t bake this year, and buy Christmas goodies from the bakery or make 2005 the year that you do not attend the office holiday party. Focus on one area. Find ways in which you can get the most benefit out of a minimal investment. Don’t deck the halls in every room, concentrate on the room where you spend the most time. Do all of your holiday entertaining over one weekend.
Be realistic. Reduce your expectations of self and others. If you do not get along with family members the rest of the year, chances are Christmas will not warm everyone’s heart and contrary to popular opinion, gifts do not improve relationships either. Focus on loved ones and quality experiences.
Remember to engage in random acts of kindness (very un-Grinchlike). Let someone get in line before you, wait while a driver turns before you, or let someone else take the prime parking space at the mall.
Send Christmas cards every other year or send out a Christmas email instead. The most important aspect of this is to keep holiday guilt at bay by remembering that your importance to others does not rely on your ability to throw the best Christmas party, your ability to make table decorations out of “all natural materials…(that aren’t available in your region) or a burned batch of Christmas cookies.
Keep Family Traditions Organic. Remember that as families grow and change, traditions may need to change too. What works with toddlers might not work with teenagers. Be open to change. Variety and creativity can be the catalyst for exciting new traditions. If family is far away create ways to stay in touch with them during the holidays. How about the antiquated art of letter writing or make a date to instant message loved ones?
Plan Family Friendly Encounters. Grownups can become whiney 2 year olds when they try to pack together an entire season of events into a couple of days. During the holidays, adults like toddlers, may experience mood swings and have a hard time expressing themselves when they are over excited or overly tired. Honor that “inner voice” that wants “to go home” or needs a “time out”.
Regroup. Unavoidable mishaps or misunderstanding may happen but laugh, regroup, and remember you can’t control others or events. You can bless and release the gift you had your heart set on but did not receive, the over baked pumpkin pie, and all of the Grinches out there that cross your path!
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Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Thankfully my family choose to have a nice low-key xmas. Very relaxed and chilled out. Everyone needs to relax more over the holidays!
You have a great weekend!
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
I am with you all the way there! Have a great weekend friend!
Mis
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
katyzzz
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Some nice advice Mis.
Another piece of advisory gold . . .
MNG
Comment by Techno
Geeky Blog
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Excellent advice as always. It's easy to lose track of what Christmas is about and worry about the smaller things. To me, it's about seeing family and friends and enjoying it.
It's also about thinking of others too and doing some of those small random acts of kindness you mentioned. I let a car in front of me yesterday, that was that day's kindness
Tracy
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
I apologize for the oversight! So glad to see you!
Mis
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
Successfully surviving Christmas is a little like enjoying white wine - 'Chill and Enjoy".
nice advice.......
You are always a winner with me!
Mis
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
The Grinch is nursing a holiday hangover....
Cute chick
ewwwwwwww! HAHAHAHA!
Mis
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
So good to see that you have been visited by the ghost "of paying it forward"! Always a pleasure!
Mis