Holidays are here and I am already tired. How about you?
I have been thinking about what I should say. To be honest, all I can think about is how COVID 19 has made decorating the office very simple. Basic $ store items that can be disposed of in the event of a deep cleaning.
Personally, at home? Well, a friend made me a door decoration of a candy cane. I couldn’t be more proud. I even put it up before Thanksgiving. I have talked about bringing out the Christmas decorations and the tree. But, as I even talk about it, I get tired.
My wallet is empty. Thankfully I started working on handmade Christmas presents last February. Using leftover quilting scraps and yarns from projects, my sister and I were able to make enough for everyone. So, the financial stress has been minimized.
REMEMBER SELF CARE has been on my mind a lot. I almost cancelled my manicure, pedicure and massages this month. Then I thought about the last time I let the self care wane. It cost me twice as much to get myself back into workable/functioning condition.
Let me share with you a few a tips that I plan to employ this holiday season.
- Keep all self care appointments. If too expensive, cut back the length of time. For example, change the combo massage to just a reflexology. Change the mani/pedi to just a pedi.
- Move doctor appointments around so that you have only one or two for the month of December. Keep Dr. fatigue to minimum.
- “NO” is an answer. Covid 19 will keep many things to virtual gatherings. They are still tiring.
- Quiet time needs to be incorporated to each day, even if only 5 minutes with the lights off and silence. That means no TV, music or lights. Just be and breathe.
- Cook in bulk, then freeze.
- Spend more time with your fur baby. Hold them closer to your heart and just breathe. They feel the stress also.
- Don’t stress the presents. Re-gift if necessary from last year. Be creative. Give coupons of 10 minutes of unlimited “whining listening”.
- Minimize your errands to only one a day in addition to work.
- It is okay to stop and rest.
- Stay in touch with God. Read your Bible early in the morning to set your day up right. Take time to pray. Take time to listen.
Most of all, remember the reason for the season. Jesus.