Thanksgiving
Friendsgiving
Office Thanksgiving Potluck
Holiday Party
Office Holiday Party
Your Significant Other’s Office Holiday Party
The party of a colleague of yours that really wants you to come even though you will likely know no one in attendance…
Someone significant in your life that inevitably has a December birthday and feels wronged by that fact, so they insist on throwing a huge (non-holiday themed) birthday party in the middle of December.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Day
It’s too much….
I don’t know about you, but it is December 16th, and I am over it. The number of parties I have felt obligated to not only attend but also dress up and bring food/beverage to is insane. It’s not even Christmas, and I have somehow decorated three trees (two of which were not pre-lit) and spent an astronomical amount on gifts for people that in some cases, I would never hang out with in my personal life. What is it about this season that makes you feel the need to buy a Lindor Chocolate Christmas tree for the girlfriend of one of your coworkers? I might be projecting, but this is exactly the kind of pressure that I feel this time of year.
All of the parties, presents, casseroles, cookies, red dresses, Santa hats and glitter can really weigh down on a person. How do you handle it when everything feels like too much? For me, I believe in the importance of alone time. One of the other things that comes hand-in-hand with December in America is the idea of gathering people together to celebrate. This might be in the form of a parade, a party, or even just the crowded shops and malls as people try to find the best deals on gifts. You might not realize it, but constantly being in a group can and will make you feel exhausted. You need to take time to be by yourself and recharge.
Secondly, remember to practice self-care this month. The Holidays are focused on giving to others. This is great but remember to also give to yourself. As selfish as that sounds, it’s important to give to yourself, even if all you are giving is a break. Take time to do something that makes you happy. For some that might be treating yourself to a pedicure or a massage. For others, it can be as simple as allowing yourself to have a night in on the couch with a good meal and your favorite show. Failing to take care of yourself this season can make you temperamental around others and can keep you from fully getting into the holiday spirit. The worst thing you can do for yourself and your family is to create tension because you are exhausted by the time the festivities start and you are short with someone.
Now if you are like me, you are probably thinking, “Who has time to relax and recharge? There’s so much to do!” And my answer to that is, “Maybe you are doing too much.”
For example, every year at work we have a community holiday party for the members of our space and their friends and family. Last year I spent almost an entire day decorating. There was fake snow everywhere (the blankets and also the snow confetti pieces), sequins and confetti shaped like Christmas trees, ornaments, and snowflakes spread out across every surface, little birds and snowmen with hats on, a huge intricate Christmas tree, fake presents, and glitter everywhere. It looked magical and it took me a full ten hours to clean up the next day. This year I spent three hours decorating. There was a Christmas tree (pre-lit) on the stage with big ornaments only, several smaller pre-decorated trees throughout the space, red and green lights, and a hot chocolate bar. This set up took me about an hour to clean up, and people loved it all the same. Sometimes the expectations we set for ourselves are far beyond what is necessary. There are situations in which going the extra mile is really worth it, and in those situations that will be evident. But save your energy for those really special moments so as not to wear yourself out.
This time of year is the prime example of “too much.” Remember that it is important to take care of yourself and relax as you go into the New Year. Starting with a calm mind can help set the tone for how you will experience 2019.
- Bria