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With Thanksgiving mere days away and Christmas just around the corner, it occurs to me that perhaps now might be a good time to offer up some "tips" for those who dread rather than look forward to the holidays.
Typically, there are 3 things that most people seem to dislike about the holidays, from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Weight gain, shopping and spending time with all those family members we'd just as soon avoid. It's really a shame that we've reduced the holidays to this, but there you have it. The 3 most common 'dreads'. To that end, perhaps we might like to consider some alternate perspectives.
First ~ Weight Gain
Do you know WHY so many people gain weight over the holidays? It's not the food. It's the AMOUNT of food that folks seem to think they must consume because it's there. I mean, on your normal day, do you always have second helpings? I'd bet you don't. So, as you're sitting at the table with all those yummy things laid out in front of you, fill your plate as you would on a "normal" day. Eat slowly. Savor the variety. And when you're about to reach for seconds, take them home instead. If you're already at home (because you're hosting), then fill your plate, wrap it up and put it in the fridge. Eat your seconds TOMORROW. Now you can have dessert and not feel so badly about it! In short, don't GORGE. Just enjoy your meal and remember that there's always tomorrow to enjoy it again.
Second ~ All Those Gifts!
I'm a stickler about this particular subject. I think we, as a society, are waaaayyyy overboard on this whole gift-giving thing. Somehow it's all become about how much you spend and how MANY gifts there are. Sad, sad state of affairs. The origins of the holiday are about LOVE. Whether you believe in a Christian tenet or a Pagan one, the origins are the same. It's about LOVE. So, instead of spending a zillion dollars and hours on end in traffic and jam-packed malls, try this instead:
Get your list of folks you plan to gift. Go to Michael's or some other craft store and buy some card stock sheets of paper, a package of pretty markers or pens and one ornament for each person on your list. Next, stop at your local wine shop (or whatever shop you go to for beverages) and get yourself a bottle of wine. Go home, pour yourself a glass, put on some music and put on your best "festive" mood.
Cut the sheets of card stock into quarters. Jazz up the edges with some curly-Qs and make a coupon. Let's say you have someone on your list who's a mom who is ALWAYS running around like a crazy person. Make her a coupon for doing her laundry. "Limit 3 Loads" or some such (you don't want to be her slave, just give her a break!) Or perhaps you know someone who really loathes cooking. That coupon could be for "One Yummy Dinner". You decide if you're going to cook it or take her out. It doesn't matter. The whole idea is to think of the person, what they would most appreciate, and make them a coupon for that. (You will also note that there's a lot of 'thought' that goes into these, which is why I've found them so greatly appreciated by those I've given them to.) I know, it sounds REALLY corny. But I'm telling you, people enjoy them. (And if they're the kind of folk who aren't happy unless you spend a small fortune, then perhaps you might like to rethink your gift list!) Anyway, back to the gift. Once you've made your dandy little coupon, put it in a box, wrap it up and use the ornament to decorate. Done!
(One last note on this: the ONLY people I buy gifts for are the kids. Even with them, however, you can still get them a couple of 'store bought' things and also add coupons in lieu of 20 other things. Wouldn't it be great to teach THEM what Christmas is really about?)
Lastly ~ Family
Okay. I know. There are some people you'd just as soon not see, family or not! But here's the thing: it's only 1 or 2 days out of your year. And trust me when I tell you this~when those folks are gone (as in dead) you may find yourself happy for the moments you DID spend with them. So, put your insecurities aside, quit being so defensive and find a sense of humor. Lighten up, for heaven's sake! You may just enjoy yourself after all!
Happy Turkey...and All That Jazz!
Camille Olivia Strate is an author, empowerment coach and critter keeper in search of the perfect pasture. Among her many passions is assisting people in returning to their 'true selves' by way of empowerment coaching. She believes strongly in 'paying it forward' and lives by 'do what you love and the money will follow'. Her latest book, "Whispers" is now available in eBook format. Hardcopy to follow soon! Visit her personal site at http://www.joyzachoice.com
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