I have some great holiday gift ideas… for you to give yourself! These gifts can’t be wrapped up, but I believe they are far more important than anything under the tree.
Sometimes we allow ourselves to focus entirely on making Christmas special for others. When that leads to rushing, worrying, and getting lost in millions of details, it can result in exhaustion and burnout. I promise you this: Your family wants to enjoy the season with you, not see you drain yourself emotionally and physically.
Here are the four gifts I’d love for you to give to yourself, so that you’ll be able to celebrate this special time of year with a clear head, positive outlook, and energy to spare:
Simplicity
Focus on one task at a time. Turn off your phone when you’re busy with something else. And consider whether Christmas could be a simpler holiday this year.
If a certain aspect of holiday preparations causes you stress, such as cooking a big dinner or wrapping everything beautifully, consider whether you can simplify it, pare it down, find an alternative, outsource, or skip it altogether. “I’ve always done it that way” doesn’t mean you have to do it that way this year. 2020 has been hard on all of us, and maybe it’s time to give yourself permission to take it easy.
Space
The Christmas holidays mean that children are home and it can feel like someone is always underfoot! Maintain your calm by literally giving yourself space. Go behind a locked door for a while and relax, find some time for a solo run or workout, even sit in your car alone for 10 minutes if that’s what it takes!! Taking a break from constant interactions can help you clear your mind and reset your attitude when your patience for others is wearing thin. Too much togetherness can lead to short tempers, and hurt feelings are the last thing any of us wants at Christmas.
Energy
During the holidays, treats are EVERYWHERE. Sometimes that’s a good thing, and a little indulgence is more than OK! Remembering to balance out the treats with healthy eating can help you maintain a high energy level and avoid stomach upset. Limiting your alcohol intake can also help to keep you in control of your emotions and your physical health.
Stay on track with your supplements and oils, and squeeze in a workout or a walk in the snow. It’s important to fuel yourself properly so you can have enough energy to enjoy all of the beauty of Christmas.
Gratitude
It can be easy to focus on the negatives: Burnt cookies, arguments, overindulgence. Trying to focus on what went right can do wonders.
Before bed, try writing down three things you loved about the day. This practice can really help you see that the negatives are far outweighed by the positives.
Doing something kind for others is another great way to put the focus on the best parts of the holidays. Reach out to a senior in your life, donate to an organization supporting families facing hard times, shovel your neighbour’s driveway, or bake some treats for your friends. Even just actively feeling appreciation for your family’s simple holiday rituals can be so grounding. There are so many ways to express gratitude!
You Are Worth It
Giving these gifts to yourself can help you squeeze every bit of joy and wonder out of this special season, without compromising your own health and wellbeing. You are so worth it.
