Pre-holiday reality check

December 17, 2009

Not too long ago, we talked about keeping your sanity at the holidays. Basically, when there’s more to do than usual, something’s got to give. If your list of to-dos doesn’t match up with reality, you will run out of  time and/or energy before it’s all done.

It’s totally human to just keep piling on the “yeah, sure, I’ll do thats” without checking to see whether they line up with reality. Unfortunately, this habit also makes you a pre-holiday spaz.

See, overwhelm is a product of being unconscious about your agreements with yourself (and others). If you create awareness, the overwhelm can dissipate.

Shed a little consciousness on the next week.

Feel like doing a little activity?

  • Grab a piece of paper or use the comment box below
  • Write down how you’d like to feel this holiday (peaceful, happy, calm, etc.)
  • Write down the things you want to accomplish before Christmas Eve (business, personal, etc.)
  • Look over the list
  • Cross off anything that doesn’t bring you closer to how you want to feel this holiday.

This may seem harsh, but it will help you prevent the overwhelm of having so much to do in a short period of time. It will also prevent the collapsed feeling that often follows.

Tomorrow begins my 16- day vacation. Soon, yours will begin too. What will you consciously cut out so you can have the kind of holiday you truly want?

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4 comments

  1. Wow! Jen – That is the best definition of overwhelm ever.

    happy vacationing!
    -Cairene


  2. 259 days ago,
    jennifer said:

    Why, thank you, Cairene! I hope you have a wonderful holiday, too. :)

  3. What a relief! I keep resisting the messages to do more that I seem bombarded with every holiday. I am doing enough. I’m still on the fence about how to handle my son’s vacation from school. Can I afford to enjoy myself or should I work double-time to make up for the time I get to spend with him? I know what the right answer is but it’s hard to let work go.


  4. 257 days ago,
    jennifer said:

    Sharon – You *are* doing enough. I celebrate your deep sense of knowing what’s right for you – even when choosing it is hard. I’m sending warm thoughts to you and your son this holiday. Whatever you choose, I know you’ll enjoy one another.

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