Making this Holiday Season Work For You
After returning another 3 pairs of rejected leggings by my very particular kiddo, I strolled through a surprisingly quiet Target store to check out the holiday decorations. I was hoping to get inspired and ignite my mood to match the excitement of said kiddo to decorate our house.
This year is a little different as I’m now working again after stepping away to be a full-time mom. Sure it’s an adjustment for me to realign and adjust to working around the holidays, but it’s a first time experience in my little monkey’s 5 year old life to have her mom’s time divided between home and work. She’s only known a mom that’s been fully engaged in all things holiday. Baking, decorating, crafting…you name it, we did it. Eagerly and abundantly.
But this year, I’m more seasoned and dare I say wiser in knowing that I do not want to expend the energy nor have the desire to “do it all” when I know I won’t bring my best self to either my work or home if stretched too thin. So, this year we’re going to do the holidays a bit differently but no less magically.
How does one go about having a Better Homes & Garden, Pinterest-worthy life and home, run a business AND enjoy all the glory of the holidays all while staying present, joyful and festive?
It’s all about boundaries and expectation setting. Now, here’s the thing, my kiddo is young enough that she may or may not remember all the massive quantities of activities we did in year’s past so I can just change things up here and there and she’ll most likely roll with it. As long as she’s having fun, she’ll be on board.
For those with older kids or anticipatory family expecting this year to be just like the last, including some calm but direct conversations to lay out the plan and clearly define expectations while setting boundaries on what you are willing and capable of doing.
Are you known for always sending beautiful cards to your entire contact list including a professional-grade newsletter with all that’s gone on in your life this year? Does your house need to be magazine cover worthy complete with matching farmhouse decor and family pajamas?
If all of that brings you joy, energizes you and makes your holiday more memorable then absolutely do it! Just make sure you schedule the time to do it in a way that allows you to be present, calm and enjoying those magical moments.
Here are some tips for prepping your holiday so that you can truly enjoy the magic of the season:
Decide your highest priorities and schedule them in now. Whether it’s tree cutting, caroling, Griswold-style light decorating, attending the symphony or baking with your family make the most important moments happen by scheduling them early. Leave room for flexibility or additional pop-up events (this is helpful whether you enjoy spontaneity or just know you’ll need that buffer to keep anxiety in check).
Eliminate what no longer serves you. If it doesn’t bring you joy then take it off this year’s to-do list. You can always add it back in next year, if desired. It doesn’t have to be gone forever…unless you want it to be.
Delegate it! Maybe it’s time to pass the torch on a holiday tradition and allow someone else the joy of being able to step-up and shine. If someone says “but you make it the best” you can always soak in the accolades, show gratitude and then just say “thank you”…but hold fast to your decision.
Schedule time off of work. Check your vacation and PTO days and use them! There will ALWAYS be things pulling you at work but you cannot get this time back with your friends and family. Taking even a 1/2 day a couple of times throughout the month to help slow down and take in those extra activities with friends and family will help balance it all out.
Set boundaries with work. Unless your business’s main critical season is during the last month of the year just like ol’ Santa, it should be a team effort to allow everyone some time off to enjoy life. If you’re in a leadership position, it’s your role to not only ensure your team takes time off but it’s equally important to lead by example.
Set boundaries with friends and family. There are lots of extracurricular concerts, parties, church and school events this time of year. It is OK to say “NO” to attending functions or taking on extra responsibility. Again, if it brings you joy and is a priority then schedule it in, otherwise saying no is a full sentence. Give the gift of your authentic answer instead of making excuses or telling little white lies. If you don’t have it in you to go, then don’t. You can feel 100% confident that politely declining is all you need to do.
Stay organized with your calendar and lists. I love lists (maybe a little too much) and keeping my calendar updated is critical for my self-diagnosed mom brain. Keeping a running list in one easily accessible place (notebook, phone, etc) will allow you to stay organized and make changes quickly and accurately. There’s a whole science behind lists and prioritization so if this isn’t your strength then keep the list as short as possible. Bonus Tip: Make a note to learn a new prioritization strategy in the New Year.
Have Fun. Laugh as often as possible, take lots of deep breaths, and remember what is really important to you this time of year. If you start feeling stressed or anxious - stop long enough take a simple deep breath, take a moment to yourself to recalibrate, and remember you can’t control everyone or everything but you can control your reaction.
Saying No when you want to and Yes to what means the most will keep you in integrity with yourself and gives those around you permission to do so as well.
Wishing you the Happiest Thanksgiving and Blessings to you and yours!
