8 Ways to Have a Dream Holiday Season!

By: Michelle

 

We have officially entered the busy holiday season. The parties, the shopping, the cooking and the baking. Sometimes it just seems like there is too much!

This year let's try something a little new. I've got some ideas that might make this time of year go a little smoother. If you only pick one of them you will be making a positive change

1. Intention for the Season- Right now, sit down and take a few moments to get clear on the way you want your holiday season to unfold. What is important to you? How do you want to feel? How do you want your loved ones to experience the season? Set the mood for the days ahead.

2. Prioritize- You can't do everything, go everywhere and be everything to everyone. Take a moment to sit down and list out your top 5 priorities for the holiday season. Do you want to spend more quiet time with your family, bake cookies with your children, find a way to give back more this year, or is there a favorite holiday party that can't be missed? Make these your "A" list activities and if you have more things you would like to do, add them as "B" activities and only do those after your "A" activities are completed.

3. Cut Back- Get clear on the amount of gifts you are purchasing. Have you been feeling like its just too much? Its ok to cut back. Have a heart to heart conversation with your loved ones and explain your intention and your priorities for the season and let them know the onslaught of gifts doesn't fit in with your vision. Ask them to help you think of ways to make gift giving more special and help them to get clear on their priorities as well.

4. Daily Connection- Make it a priority that you spend just a few minutes each day connecting with your spirit. You can choose to meditate, practice conscious breathing  journal, walk in nature, set a daily intention, or pull a card from your favorite oracle card deck. It doesn't have to be a lengthy practice. Just a brief moment to center yourself, and connect to your higher self will help to ground and center you for the day.

I find working with my mandala is a wonderful way for me to get a deep connection in a short amount of time. We have created a Winter Harmony mandala that carries wonderful energy for this time of the year. It is a great way to for you to tune in during the holiday season.

5. Find Time for You- This time of the year is all about giving and it's important to find time to give to yourself. You want to make sure you are filling yourself up so you don't find yourself completely empty and drained at the end of it all. Schedule a weekly date with yourself to do something that brings you joy. Try to give yourself at least an hour. Take a bath with candles and some essential oils, read an uplifting book,  watch a holiday movie you love, head to a spa or create a spa in your own home. Whatever it is, make sure it's something that gets you excited.

6. Mind Your Body- With the holidays comes cookies, candies, and desserts of every kind. Be mindful of what you're putting into your mouth. Sugar can zap your energy and leave you feeling frazzled and cranky. Limit your intake of sugar as much as you can.  Practice leaving some behind so you can enjoy a wide variety of treats. One bite can often be just enough if you are being present as you eat and enjoying every bite. Be sure to eat protein with your sugar. This will help to keep your blood sugar a bit more stable. Add lots of leafy greens and sweet veggies to your meals to stabilize your cravings and be sure to drink lots of water to keep you hydrated.

7. Use Your Calendar- The calendar is my favorite tool to help me stay balanced. I personally use google calendar and sync it to my phone. I invite you to find a calendar that works for you. Use it for everything. Write lists, schedule your time ahead, plug in your pampering dates with yourself, use the reminders to help you. When I work with my clients, one of their favorite tips they got from me was to use the calendar preemptively. If you notice something that isn't working for you this holiday season, go forward in your calendar to next year's holiday season and write yourself a note reminding you what worked, what didn't, and any ideas you have to make it better. I know you think you won't forget but you would be surprised at how much you can forget in a year.

8. Practice Gratitude- Gratitude is such a powerful way to shift your energy and shift your life. Get in the habit of looking for what is working in your life. The more you do it the easier it is to recognize these moments as you go through your day. It is a magical practice and what better time of year to begin?!

What do you do over the holidays that could use some tweaking? What works? What doesn't? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the subject.  

I wish you a peaceful, joyful holiday season filled with love and wonder!