All Psyched Up: Christmas already?

By Dr. Linda Hancock on November 30, 2024.

So, we made it through Black Friday and are now facing a season of socials, giving and food! How on earth are you going to manage everything when you are already exhausted and struggling to keep up with responsibilities?

Here are some ideas:

1. Minimize gift giving – Years ago I realized that my gifts to grandchildren were either the wrong size, colour or quality. All of them have jobs and tend to buy what they want, when they want. Because six are adults and there are only two under the age of eighteen, I decided to only purchase birthday gifts for the older ones. Each year, I contact the parents of the little ones and suggest a gift which they can critique for appropriateness. Easy!

For a good laugh and wake up call, all you need to do is listen to George Carlin’s twenty-year old presentation called “Stuff.” It is timeless and reminds us that all of us have too much stuff – a good rationale for not buying more.

2. Plan food menus – Do you need to make all those cookies and pies when everyone seems to be watching their weight? Why is it important to spend two days cooking for a 15-minute meal before cleanup? Perhaps keeping things simple will allow you to spend more time enjoying festivities rather than striving for a perfect holiday table.

3. Learn to say “No” – You do not have to agree to attend every event that is suggested. I remember a few years ago when one young bride was so stressed because she and her new husband were expected to have Christmas meals with about a dozen different branches of the family. They felt that they were obligated to show up but didn’t have enough energy or time to just enjoy each other on their first Christmas together. Life is choices and there are times when you need to make good ones for yourself. There might be others who feel hurt or upset but they will either understand or perhaps be willing to negotiate another option that will suit everyone.

4. Focus on self-care – What do you need to do in order to feel good about yourself and the holidays? Attending a quiet candlelight service, taking time to view the lights, getting extra rest or calling friends who you love might be exactly the right thing to make your soul sing during this holiday season. You might even splurge on a little gift which you can buy for yourself!

5. Count your blessings – Instead of always thinking about what you don’t have or haven’t done, make sure that you take inventory of all the wonderful things that you do have. Most people have more clothing than they even wear in a year. Sadly, over-purchasing of groceries can result in throwing out items that were appealing when purchased but spoilt. We all have treasures that are still in the packaging and never enjoyed. You see, giving thanks is more than just rattling off health, housing, heat, and materialistic things. It is about also recognizing the abundance we enjoy.

Think about the intangible things that we can’t touch – like freedom, and peace, and love.

This Christmas will be more of the same – stress, fatigue and financial stress – if we don’t make the decision to change things!

It’s all up to you!

Dr. Linda Hancock, the author of “Life is An Adventure…every step of the way” and “Open for Business Success” is a Registered Psychologist who has a private practice in Calgary. She can be reached by email at office@drlindahancock.com

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