Can you relate? It’s that holly, jolly time of year filled with holiday parties, holiday gift shopping along with life’s everyday challenges.
This morning, I glanced at my fuel gauge as I drove my daughter to school. It was on empty. I thought, “Holy c---. How did I let it get so low? Can I even make it to the gas station?!"
I had this vision of myself running out of gas just in front of the high school in my brand new car (less than 2 weeks old), embarrassing myself and mortifying my teen. Thankfully, my vision did not come to fruition and I made it to a service station.
It got me thinking though. I love my new car with its still new car smell. I want it to last and I want it to GO when I want it too. That means I need to care for it mindfully and not take it for granted. The same can be said for ME and YOU.
It’s so easy to put self-care aside during this time of year, especially if you are a mom. But it’s actually a time when we need it most. Here are some tips so you don’t run out of fuel:
Ditch the perfectionist – I recently went on a girls weekend, followed by a baby shower and the first of several holiday parties. The old me would have made sure I had a manicure, cute holiday outfit, etc. None of the above happened! I went as is, bare nails, and had a great time. I even got to meet Harry Connick, Jr! And I’m pretty sure he didn’t notice or care about my bare nails.
Say no to obligation – You don’t have to attend every single party. Truly, you don’t. You also don’t have to send the perfect family holiday card every year. Seriously.
Say yes to joy – what gives you joy during the holidays? Make sure you carve out time for those things. Joy is important. It’s like getting bonus fuel or an unexpected extra hour of sleep. Joy keeps us going.
For example, my daughter and I love The Nutcracker and it’s been years since we’ve gone. This year, I carved out the day and we attended. The icing on top is we got to see Cher’s uber-talented daughter perform in it!
Keep it simple. Traditions are guidelines – not laws set in stone. Make them work for you and your schedule. For example, Christmas Eve is my holiday typically spent entertaining at home. This year, we are celebrating Christmas Eve with friends on December 23rd because we are leaving to go away Christmas morning. We are eating at a casual restaurant and decided to make the holiday meal more of a late lunch than a dinner. Why make Christmas Eve stressful? Now we get to spend that day at home, packing, baking and binge-watching holiday movies.
How about you? How are you keeping your energy going? Are you saying yes to joy and no to obligation? Please let us know in the comments below!
Holiday XOs,
Carolyn
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