Christmas

Sheri Here!

Here we are smack dab in the middle of the holidays.  One of the most important things at this point is Holiday Self-Care.

You may say its too late, I’m already a frazzled mess.  To the contrary – it’s never too late!

There are several keys components to self-care at this time of year: schedule, budget, shopping list, rest, help, and fun!

Schedule

Don’t over-plan or over-schedule yourself – leave room on the calendar to breathe and rest.

You may have lots of things to squeeze in, buying and wrapping gifts, making the holiday cookies, decorating the house, attending the kids or grandkids school celebrations, etc., etc., etc.

If necessary, say NO!  No is a complete sentence and really doesn’t require explanation.  But, if you feel you must, you can say: “No, thank you, we’re already committed for that day, time, or evening, etc.”

That is sufficient.  If the person who has invited you knows you and is a friend, that should be enough.  If they try to badger you, politely say, “I’ve got to go” and get off the phone.  If they are a good friend, they will understand.

Budget

Last week, we chatted in my blog about the importance of a budget (See Keep Your Eye on Your Wallet).  It is never too late to put together a quick budget with the things left to buy.  That’ll give you financial guidance like the schedule gives you time management guidance and gives you the freedom to know where you stand and to make good decisions.

Shopping List

This list covers gifts as well as food for entertaining and potlucks.  A list allows you to keep track in black and white, rather than relying on your memory to remember all the key things you need.

You can then group all the items by location, e.g., shopping mall, internet shopping or the grocery store.  This helps you stay organized and reduce the number of trips you need to schedule and save yourself some time.  Or if you must make an unscheduled stop at the grocery store, you might be able to pick up a few things, and save yourself another trip.

Having a gift list is also helpful – it makes certain you’ve remembered everyone, including your postal clerk, your children’s teachers, your hair stylist and other service folks in addition to family and friends who make the list.  It helps make shopping easier, too, because you can group things by location or store and reduce some of the running about.

Rest

Even though you may prescribe to the “I’ll rest when I retire” theory, resting during this busy time of year is important for several reasons.   These reasons include: you can have fun during this time of year, your resistance to getting sick is high, and you are fun to be around!

Help

Ask for help from friends, family, the kids, and the neighbors. As needed, allow yourself to ask and accept offers of help.

Since my husband has had limitations on his mobility, my neighbor has helped me get down some of the Holiday decorations, which are difficult for me to do alone.

The day of holiday entertainment, when others offer, say YES, rather than be a martyr to doing it alone.  Better yet, make it a potluck and allow others to contribute, it makes it easier on you and your budget.

Have FUN

Make this a season of fun and gratitude.  Be a spark of light at the festivities you attend.  That spark becomes easier when you are not overextended timewise or financially, you’ve gotten good rest, and said YES to help.

This is a season known for good tidings and joy (see my blog Joy, ‘Tis the Season or Is It?). Be the bearer of both and enjoy your time with others.

What are some of your favorite ways of holiday self-care?  Share by hitting the reply – inquiring minds (mine) want to know!!

Around Town

The next 3 Keys to Radically Transform Your Life and Finances Workshop is on December 20, 2022, at 2pm PT.  This is your chance to learn my 5-step process that will radically transform your financial reality no matter what beliefs or stories have held you back up until now. I’d love to see your there. You can register here.

Ciao,

Sheri