Staying Centered During the Holidays

My childhood memories of Thanksgiving and Christmas are happy and warm. I loved the special food, the time off from school and just being with my friends and family laughing and playing games. My sister and I got the biggest kick out of playing dress up and dancing to our favorite tunes. We laughed until we cried! 
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Now faced with the season screaming, "bring down the busy!" among all the holiday cheer, I'm still in the practice of staying centered somehow with the juggling that the holidays bring. Some of the family members I loved have passed on. Because of divorce and blended families, a lot of juggling is required to bring everyone together in love to honor the wonderful birth of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Is it possible to stay calm and balanced during the holiday season? The answer is yes, if you apply three simple keys to creating a season filled with love, good memories and great experiences. First, determine how you want to feel when the holidays are over. Second, redefine your traditions and holiday habits to match your current values. And third, plan and shop ahead to reduce the stress level. 

Key #1: Determine How You Want to Feel
Key #2: Match Your Traditions to Your Values 
Key #3: Plan and Shop Ahead

Reviewing your beliefs and values before the season starts lets you live by your own rules versus trying to meet the hyped-up expectations touted on TV. Staying centered and at peace during the holiday season can be very challenging. However, once you uncover what you and your family consider most meaningful and eliminate what’s not important, you will discover the simplicity and peace the season was intended to celebrate.

References : Kay Cross, MEd, St. James, E. 1998. Simplify Your Christmas. Kansas City: Andrews McMeel Publishing.