‘Tis the season...
For Planning a Positive Holiday Season

The holidays can:
excite,
motivate,
threaten,
speed,
push,
worry,
frighten,
thrill,
scare,
and/or
prod
US!!!

"And that’s the definition of stress!" chuckles our good colleague Brian Adcock.

Research points out top stressors for families:

1. Money issues
2. Kid’s behavior
3. Not enough couple time
4. Not enough shared accountability in the family
5. Interactions with children
6. Not enough "me" time
7. Guilt for not being able to do more
8. Relationship with spouse
9. Not enough family time
10. Over-booked calendar

These are all factors that can get "complexified" in the end-of-the-year hustle and bustle.

Researchers Wesley Burr, Shirley Klein and Associates found that "resilience in the families we studied is impressive." Families experiencing extreme amounts of stress grew and gained insight into the situations they were experiencing. The families became stronger as they worked through situations successfully. They also indicated families are able to appreciate the calm periods in their lives.

What are strategies for planning a positive "holiday marathon?"

1. Have a family talk. Develop a long list of all the possible things that the family could do this season. Then - and don’t forget this step - pare that endless list down to a much shorter list of what’s really important to you and your family.
2. For years we’ve talked about substituting your time, energy and talents in place of money. Maybe it’s time to turn that around and sometimes substitute money for a resource that is even more scarce - your time and energy.
3. Rest, rest, rest. Value yourself. Build in fun and relaxation.
4. Laugh often.
5. Enjoy the book DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF...and it’s all small stuff by Richard Carlson.
6. Be more flexible and forget about being perfect. And while we’re on the subject, there is no "perfect" gift, no "perfect" meal, no "perfect" party. Don’t hold yourself to that standard!
7. Ask yourself, "Does it make any sense to be this busy?"
8. Live for today. Dr. Richard Carlson points out, "Happy people know that regardless of what happened yesterday, last month, years ago - or what might happen later today, tomorrow or next year - now is the only place where happiness can actually be found and experienced.