Manage expectations – yours and others.

• Remember the reason for the season
  • Spiritual
  • Family/community
  • Sharing

• Do not let Martha Stewart intimidate you

Things are off the rails if:

• it feels like an obligation
• you are more stressed than happy
• you are spending more money than you have
• you are having fights or feelings are getting hurt

Plan

• Make a list and check it twice
• Set a budget
• Say no to some events
• Get the kids/family involved
• Ask for help
• Do less and enjoy more!

Try something different

• Focus on giving, not getting
  • Have everyone make a list of someone they want to help
  • Give charitable donations
  • Give hand-made holiday gifts or gifts of service
  • Create gratitude journals
  • Send hand written notes to everyone you are thankful for—make it a family event
• Make an experience the focus
  • Plan a trip
  • Hire private chef to cook a meal for the group
  • Participate in a community service activity
  • Volunteer to help others
• Let someone else prepare your meal
  • High end grocery stores and restaurants take advance orders

Take time to RELAX

• Do less!
• Eat well
• Go for a walk
• Get some light in your life (shorter days and less sunlight results in depressed mood)
• Go for a drive and enjoy all the holiday displays
• Put on some music and dance!