Are you ready to have a happy holiday season? Read this guide on how to make it happen. Then use the link at the bottom of the post to print your FREE copy – no email required. Happy Holidays to YOU!
The holidays can be a wondrous time filled with spiritual meaning and reunions with loved ones.
Despite the merriment, holidays can also cause a great deal of tension.
Changing your mindset about all of the “must-dos” can make a huge difference in your enjoyment of the holidays. You aren’t required to overspend, overeat, overdrink, and overextend yourself.
This season is supposed to be fun!
With that said, here are some simple suggestions to bring the joy back into the season. Latch onto the ideas that resonate with you, or reimagine them in ways that apply to your lifestyle.
Any (or all) of these strategies will reduce your stress and fill your holiday season with joy, love, and laughter – as they should be.
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How to Have a Happy Holiday
1. Let Go Of Expectations
- Approach Challenges With a Sense of Curiosity
Think like a scientist. You’ll be so busy trying to figure out why your turkey is still
underdone after four hours in the oven that you won’t have time to get frustrated.
- Be Flexible About Changes in Routine
Embrace a spirit of flexibility and realize that you can be happy and at peace in all kinds of circumstances. Be open to spending New Year’s at the beach instead
of at home.
- Appreciate Surprises
It might seem like a good idea to make a wish list of the gifts you want to receive for the holidays. But, if you always tell people what you want to receive, you might as well go out and buy it yourself.
Take pleasure in being surprised by whatever comes your way.
2. Accept Whatever Conditions Come Your Way
- Plan Ahead When Possible
Encountering the same obstacles and unpleasant experiences over and over can be one of the most challenging things about the holidays.
Use a Holiday Planner to organize your time and activities.
A little foresight will help you avoid overcrowded highways and airports on busy travel days, or keep you from running to the store for a last-minute gift on Christmas Eve.
- Practice Compassion
Maybe you’re annoyed by people cutting in line at the cash register or relatives who
ask the same intrusive questions every year. Try to put yourself in their shoes and be more understanding of their anxieties.
You don’t know what anyone else is going through, so make an extra effort to be kind, patient, and compassionate.
- Find the Humor in Each Situation and Laugh Out Loud
Spot the humor in stressful holiday situations.
Instead of getting upset when you are unable to find those paper napkins with dancing reindeer that you bought on sale after Christmas last year, just laugh and move on. You can still get a kick out of them when they turn up in time for a family barbecue in August.
Laughing out loud encourages the same from those around you, creating a joyful space for all.
3. Simplify, Simplify, Simplify
- Keep the Food and Drink Light
It seems we all start the New Year regretting our holiday weight gain.
Focus on vegetable appetizers and drink mineral water at parties. Limit your portions when it comes to holiday sweets. If eggnog is your weakness, try making just one batch, or use a flavored coffee creamer.
If you know you’ll be indulging heavily at an event, plan to eat lighter that day and the next for balance.
- Cut Back on the Shopping
Leave the mall and turn off the computer. Shorten your list and resolve to buy fewer gifts. Give homemade or gifts from the heart instead of store-bought everything.
- Streamline Your Schedule
Choose the activities you enjoy most and scratch the other events off of your calendar.
You do not have to attend every social activity every year.
You’ll have more fun at the ice skating rink if you’re not trying to squeeze it in between a morning movie and an evening concert.
4. Distance Yourself From Materialism
- Watch TV Selectively
Television commercials create pressure to buy more, so turn the TV off unless there is something extra special your family really wants to watch.
Spend more time talking with each other, playing games, or building snowmen.
- Seek Out Free Entertainment
Keep an eye out for free events in your community.
Browse online for movies to watch and crafts to create using materials you have on hand.
You can have a great time and stay very busy without spending a cent.
- Get Creative and Do it Yourself
From house decorations to gifts, items that you make yourself save money and feel more special.
Gather twigs and berries for a wreath or table centerpiece.
Give your father a scarf that you knitted yourself.
Create “date night” or “housekeeping” coupons on the computer.
- Consider Gifts Selectively
It really is the thought that counts.
Your former college roommate may love old postcards of Paris that you find at a flea market more than any expensive trinket from a fancy department store.
5. Use Your Time Purposefully
- Spend Time, Not Money
Go visit your grandparents at their retirement community.
Invite your neighbors over for an evening of holiday music and games.
Call long-distance friends instead of texting.
- Support Local Charities
Volunteer at your local food kitchen or nursing home. Walk dogs at the shelter. Adopt a child from an Angel Tree. Exercise for Charity.
Be as generous as you can with your year-end charitable donations. No matter your circumstances, many people are having a far more difficult holiday season than you. Do what you can to help them.
- Spread Kindness Every Chance You Get
Some of the best gifts cost very little or nothing at all.
And no matter how busy you are, there is always time for the gift of kindness.
Tell your friends and family how much they mean to you.
Bake an extra loaf of bread to take into the office.
Hold the door for a parent with a stroller.
Read More About Winter Self-Care:
- December Self-Care: 50 Ways to Bask in the Spirit of the Season
- How to Politely Decline Holiday Invitations
- Simple (But Effective!) Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain
- 10 Quotes About New Beginnings for a New Year
- New Year Resolutions: Questions to Ask As You Set Your Goals
Final Thoughts On How to Have a Happy Holiday
Transform your holidays from stressful to joyful by applying wisdom and generosity.
You and your family will reap the benefits with joyous holidays.
Download your free guide to fill your holidays with joy.
Lori is an energetic woman in her early 60s, dedicated to living life fully through self-awareness and self-care. Inspired by her own transformative journey toward confidence, self-love, and positivity, she writes with genuine passion and authenticity.
With degrees in Psychology, Education, and Nonprofit Management, Lori’s diverse career has spanned education administration, counseling, teaching, conference planning, and the rewarding chaos of full-time motherhood. What ties these experiences together is her steadfast commitment to uplifting others.
Today, Lori focuses her energy on empowering mature women, advocating for the vital role of self-care in building confidence and joy. She firmly believes that every woman in midlife deserves to feel capable, radiant, and fulfilled. Join Lori as she shares insights and inspiration to help you live your best life!