The Christmas Holidays
This Christmas holiday is unlikely to be completed without one or two upsets between family members but a few hiccups does not mean it will be a disaster.
The Christmas holiday is unlikely to be completed without one or two upsets between family members and someone may forget to buy the turkey or send a card to Aunt Lilly so be realistic a few hiccups do not mean that the Christmas get together has been a disaster.
You cannot possibly be responsible for everyone having a good time, so park the guilt and let them take responsibility for their own enjoyment.
You may be the one who organises and oversees the preparations and activities, but you don’t have to do everything yourself, so delegate. Even the youngest member of the family can take responsibility for something.
Develop a positive perspective and visualise a smooth running and enjoyable Christmas. If you start Christmas feeling it is going to be a drag it probably will be.
Accept yourself the way you are and work with your strengths. Are you a planner or a “wait until the last minute” person? Unless you hate being the way you are, accept if you’re a planner that you need to be that way to enjoy yourself. If you are a person who waits until the last minute, remember it gives you chance to be spontaneous and creative.
Turn off the television. Christmas is an ideal time to catch up with each other so turn of the television and spend time talking, playing with the new train set or board game.
Don’t take on the peace maker role. Being the peace maker and intervening to sought out quarrels usually results in you being considered the bad guy.
Slot in time for yourself. Whether you want to take some exercise, sit down with a book or be on your own, make time to do it.
Keep a sense of humour. OK so little Tom fed half a box of chocolates to the cat that then vomits the lot onto the carpet next to the most fastidious member of the family; does it matter? It may provide a great story for the future. “You should have seen Granny’s face when the cat was sick on her slippers”!
Or you could simply opt out of Christmas and buy yourself a ticket to somewhere warm and sunny and let Christmas happen without you.
I hope you have fun whatever you do.
Jane Shire - LifeHarmony.co.uk
Posted Tue, 12/04/2012 - 12:25 by admin