Next week alone, I have three school-related functions and a trip to the Nutcracker, as a chaperone. I have bathrooms to clean and laundry to fold. I have holiday presents to buy and doctor appointments to make. But, I'm just going to take Elsa's own advice, and "Let It Go!"
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| This is one of my favorite photos of Liza as Elsa. She taught me how to "Let It Go" in pure Elsa style. |
1. I've Learned to Say NO!
This is the hardest tip to practice, but once you learn to do this tip then it really helps you be unstoppable during the busiest times in your life. I've finally realized that I cannot do it all, and it's OK to say no and not do it all. It's taken me a long time to get to this point in my life, but now that I am finally here, it's helped me tremendously. There are tons of fun events that take place during the holidays, but you just cannot be everywhere and you cannot do everything. It's simply impossible. Pick what is most important to you, and plan from there. This tip can also help you stay on a budget during the holidays. You are going to be asked to give in many places, but pick the charities that are closest to your heart, and it is OK to say no to some of the others. You only have so much money and time to give. You don't actually have to stay home and eat chocolate, but give yourself permission to take a break. If you have a busy week then say no to that weeknight holiday gathering and instead, stay home to recharge for the next day.
2. Plan a Fun Holiday Outing
This is probably my favorite tip of all, but take time for your family before the holidays. This is a very special time of year. Yes, it's truly one of the most wonderful times of the year, especially through a child's eyes. I personally like to plan a holiday getaway close to home. We experienced the holidays in Charlotte a few years ago, and it was really great to get away and forget about the hustle and bustle that the holidays bring to your to-do list. We spent time as a family soaking up a new area's holiday magic. Honestly, I would like to make a pre-holiday trip an annual tradition, but it does get hard to schedule sometimes. Even if you can't get away for a weekend then do something special like a holiday tea, an afternoon of ice skating, or a special holiday production. For us this year, I've scheduled some things post-Christmas. We'll be going to the Angus Barn in Raleigh for dinner and I am going to take a spa appointment at the Umstead on my birthday.
3. Make Time for Yourself
This tip may be the hardest for a lot of women to do because it seems selfish to take time for yourself when you have so much to do. Make time for yourself and I promise you that it will help you tackle your to-do list much better. This tip can really be something simple. While shopping, take some time to sip a chocolate mocha or coffee. Sitting for an extra 30 minutes and relaxing with a good coffee, drink, or hot chocolate is not going to kill your schedule. Schedule lunch with a girlfriend or schedule a few hours at your local spa alone. Earlier this month, I spent some time with a friend of mine in Pinehurst to recharge without the kids. It was a huge help to me mentally.
As a new year comes closer, stop and enjoy the season around you. Indulge in yourself a little. But more importantly, embrace these tips to help your sanity.
I hope to be back in this space before 2018, but life gets in the way and I may not have anything else important to say.
With that, I wish each of you a very merry holiday season!
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