How To Stay Happy Through The Holidays

Thanksgiving is over and we’re officially into hustle and bustle of Christmastime.  For many this is a magical time of year filled with family and celebrations and the joy of gift giving to loved ones…but to others these are the most stressful obstacles of the year.  Families fight, parties become draining obligations, gift giving is expensive – even if you’re one of the sparkly Christmas people these things can put an occasional damper on the holiday spirit.  In order to survive the twists and turns of the season we’ve put together a few reminders for when times get…trying.

1. Find what the season means to you and hold it close.  Be it spiritual, warm and fuzzy, or material, seek out what you love about the holidays and remind yourself of it when you start to feel overwhelmed or anxious.
2. Keep a balance of indulgence and healthy food and drinks.  It’s so easy to get swept up in the party treats and cocktails but after a few days it truly starts to wear on your system, and that wear quickly shows up in your mood.  Let your system breathe with intervals of water and veggies between the pastries and champagne!
3. Speaking of balance, remember to give yourself a break from the Christmas explosion every now and then.  Go for a hike or give yourself a little spa retreat – anything that quiets the roar and sometimes blinding lights of the music and decorations.
4. Make sure to surround yourself by the people that make your world brighter.  Sometimes family is overwhelming, sometimes coworkers are maddening – hold the people that lift you up close and be sure to celebrate the season with them however you deem worthy.