It is that time of year when the holidays are around the corner. The weather is getting colder, and the holiday invites are coming in. It is the perfect time to decide how you’ll spend yours. There are benefits to how you spend your time this holiday season.
First, look at the things you enjoy doing. Prioritize what you want to do. What activities do you want to do alone, with your family, or with your friends? The earlier you look at your calendar, the better the outcome you can expect. Leave some room for being spontaneous for any last-minute invites or what you wish to spend time on.
time to relax
Next, find ways to include time for self-care. Holidays might feel a bit stressful; however, if you take time to take care of yourself, they don’t have to be. This might look like having a moment or an experience that you find relaxing. Some people enjoy getting a massage, reading, exercising, or taking a walk in nature.
If you are a person of faith, reading a devotional or listening to a Christian podcast may be all you need. Think of the things that will help you unwind.
Personally, I like doing these things, and reading a good book helps too. I look forward to my monthly writing meetup with my fellow writing friends, too. The holiday season is meant to be celebrated in all its entirety. You must find what works best for you.
The cool thing about this season is finding things to do that make you happy. Being open to accepting invitations is a plus. Maybe you need that one invite that will get you out of your comfort zone.
Perhaps you are the one inviting people, and that is good too. It’s a nice time to ask a friend to hang out with you and celebrate these moments. Look for local opportunities to try experiences together.
Try new things
There is fun in the unexpected when you are willing to do it. You end up learning more about yourself and the other person in the process. You may even find that it becomes a tradition because you liked it so much.
I hope to try some new things myself and start some new traditions. Whatever you wish to do, it will be worth doing. In the past, I have tried line dancing with a friend and that was a fun time!
One thing I would like to try is having dinner in one of those igloos that are popular during the Christmas season. Figmint Farms is one place that comes to mind. It is in a beautiful setting and the food from Sassool is delicious!
Finally, give yourself grace for the times you have to say no. A no does not always mean you didn’t want to, but that you couldn’t right now. Too often, people feel guilty when they must decline an invitation. Know that those invitations will come around again.
In the meantime, cherish the time that you do have. Hopefully, this holiday season brings you all the meaning it’s supposed to and then a little bit more.
Sounds like that is something to look forward to after all. What do you think?