The "Worn Down" Person’s Checklist for A Happier Holiday Season

Tis the season to be jolly, and yet, for many of us, 2020 has worn us down to a point where the holidays don't seem as bright and exciting as they once were. As you begin to prepare and plan for this upcoming holiday season, let's do a few simple checks to ensure you can find happiness and peace despite the other stresses and anxieties you may be going through. Here are five things to "Check in on" during the holidays to ensure you truly can find "Peace and Joy and goodwill toward man."

Check Your Expectations

Nothing sets us up for disappointment more than unchecked expectations. Every person has different needs, wants, and desires when it comes to holidays and traditions. To avoid significant upsets, manage your expectations for what you need to do as a person, couple, and family this season.

- Don't assume everyone is on the same page regarding holiday traditions.

- Ensure your expectations are realistic based on the real circumstances this year.

- Discuss and plan with your significant other regarding schedules, budgets, extended family, and togetherness.

- If disagreements arise, consider the long-term impact and the importance of compromise.

Check Your Heart

The most important things we want during the holidays are intangible—love, safety, trust, respect, peace, and joy. When planning, identify the intangible benefits you seek from each activity, focusing on the intangible desires rather than tangible outcomes.

- Connect the tangible events with the intangible benefits you aim to achieve.

- Design activities to create measurable results in the intangible factors you want to experience.

- Look for the intangibles taking place, emphasizing the emotional and relational aspects.

Check Your Stories

The holidays may evoke painful memories and people who have hurt us. Manage the stories you tell about these experiences to promote healing.

- Tell the story as the empowered adult you are, not the disempowered child you once were.

- Create healthy stories that reflect the challenges as temporary, changeable, and invitations for growth.

- Frame yourself in the healthiest light possible, emphasizing resilience and overcoming challenges.

Check Your Negativity

Holiday conditions can bring out negativity in people. Make a commitment to get through the holidays without succumbing to negativity.

- Check your own negativity and develop a plan to remain calm and collected.

- Calmly manage negative feedback from others by actively listening and calmly expressing how it affects you.

- Address offensive comments with a firm but calm response, such as "That's not helpful."

Check Your Basic Needs

Holidays often disrupt our usual routines, affecting schedules, budgets, diets, and sleep. Take an inventory of what you need to ensure your basic needs are met.

- Identify the environmental, physical, social, mental, and spiritual needs crucial for your well-being.

- Create a plan to incorporate these needs into your holiday season, ensuring a healthy, happy, and productive time.

As you navigate the holiday season, prioritize your well-being and focus on the intangible aspects that bring true joy and peace.