To Be Healthy
Keep up the basics—eat right, get enough sleep, exercise, and manage stress. With all of the extra activity and expectations, keeping your basic health practices in place will help you to better manage.
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To Be True to Yourself
If you don’t want to attend an event, spend money that you don’t have, or eat Aunt Beca’s famous triple layer torte, don’t. Learn to say no politely. Easier said than done, right? It is human nature to be agreeable and kind, but learning to say no is an important skill to hone. If you’re struggling to say no, remind yourself of the cost of saying yes. Will a yes cost you calories, dumping syndrome, time, peace of mind, needed rest, or money? Use these tips to become an expert at saying no.
Practice makes perfect. Practice these sayings: no, no thank you, no thanks, thank you for thinking of me, but I’ve got too much going on right now, I appreciate the thought, but no thank you, not today—thanks, and not for me—thanks.
Don’t elaborate. Just say you don’t want to.
Don’t be afraid to say it twice. People may think you’re saying no to be polite or that you really would like a piece of that torte and will cave in if they keep asking. Just smile and say no a second time.
If you have to add a reason, keep it simple. No, your torte looks delicious, but I’m following doctor’s orders.
To Be Fiscally Responsible
The financial strain can be one of the most challenging aspects of the holidays. There are all sorts of opportunities and expectations to buy, buy, buy. There is nothing wrong with a little extra spending if you enjoy it and can afford it, but having debt that takes most of the next year to pay off, is stressful and not fiscally responsible. If you’ve gone all out on holiday spending in previous years, but are ready to cut back, here are some tips to help:
Adults
- Let people know that you’re planning on scaling back. They will most likely be as relieved as you are.
- You may decide to set a small gift spending limit or enjoy coffee, lunch, or an evening out together in lieu of a gift exchange.
- Take in a plate of edible treats (no-added-sugar) for the entire office to enjoy rather than purchasing individual gifts for people.
- Talk to your extended family about eliminating gifts for those over 16 or have a gift drawing rather than purchasing individual gifts for each adult and/or child.
Children
- Talk to your children and let them know you’re not spending as much money on gifts this year and the reasons for your decision.
- Plan inexpensive activities with your children so they don’t feel like they are missing out on holiday fun. You may want to decorate gingerbread houses (graham crackers and frosting work great), bake and decorate cookies, take a Christmas light tour, read Christmas stories, watch holiday movies, volunteer together, or make holiday crafts together. Few people can remember the gifts they received the previous year, but they remember the memories that were made.
