Handling the Holidays — Pam Roller

Ah, the joys of the holidays. The lights, the music, the sales, the chipper shoppers! Finding that perfect gift, singing carols, decorating the tree, wrapping presents, preparing for house guests. All is merry and exhilarating and zippy.

The big day approaches, and reality shows its ugly butt. The crowds, the noise, the traffic. The attitudes. The shoving. The incessant ding-a-ling of those little bells outside the stores. The jolly, hopeful songs you’d like to wrap your fingers around and twist into some dark hardcore screamo. Snarling folks with tense, worried faces. Bank accounts diminishing, credit card debt rising. Uncle Henry’s teeth-gritting complaints of constipation after eating the entire bag of potato chips. What’s that in the back of the closet? Oh. Another damn present to wrap.

Joy, joy.

How do we get through it all without going off the deep end? Here are some tips from examiner.com and a few of my own:

Make lists and manage your time, including giving time to yourself. Extra time, if need be.
Adjust your expectations. We all want things to be perfect, but they rarely are. Just go with the flow.
Try smiling. Smiling gives you an emotional boost, and your smile will improve the stressed moods of all those around you.
Manage your alcohol intake. Too much drinking can lead to aggressive behavior and conflict.
Watch your spending. There’s no use going into debt trying to please others if it will affect your mind and body (and bank account) in a negative manner.
Ring that bell. The Salvation Army could use your help. Empathy and giving go a long way in dissipating anger and frustration.
Forgive. Holding a grudge against another only hurts you. Wash away the resentments and marvel in how much lighter is your heart.
Lack of self-confidence is the root of bullying and bad attitudes. Love and believe in yourself, and you’ll attract the good to you like a powerful magnet.
Acknowledge your feelings. You’re pissed off, disappointed, or sad. Or all three. Recognize how you feel, cry if you need to, yell it out into your pillow, and let it go.
Remember the reason for the season. Take some time and go to your quiet place, and reflect on how good life has been, or how good life will be. Positive thinking brings about positive things in your life.
Love. Your family, your friends, yourself. Just…love.

How about you? How do you handle the holidays?