How to Stay Balanced This Holiday Season

For many of us, the holidays can be fun but overwhelming. We savor the parties, the decorations, the visits with family and friends but there’s the stress of adding more activities – shopping, sending holiday cards, social commitments, etc. – to already full plates. Even if we start out with enthusiasm and expectation, we’re often left feeling physically exhausted and emotionally depleted by the end of this festive season.

The holidays can be a time of joy and fulfillment if we just maintain a sense of perspective. Below are three ways to do just that:

1) Borrow from the past. What made previous celebrations special? What memories come to mind? What was satisfying about them? Use the best pieces of the past to create the best celebration this year and in the future.

2) Start planning the holiday you want. Think about what your dream experience would look like so you can design a celebration of your own making. Do you crave rest, relaxation and rejuvenation? Do you want to party with 100 of your closest friends? Could you use a holiday getaway with your partner? Your festivities should reflect who you are and how you have fun.

3) Celebrate. Now that you've taken the best pieces from the past and planned a holiday that will bring you joy, it's time to actually enjoy yourself. Don't worry if a dessert is runny or if a gift isn't exactly the right size, enjoy the interactions and opportunities to share with people you love. So don't sweat the small stuff, just go have fun.