Tips to Balance Your Life and be Thankful for this Holiday
The word tradition comes from the Latin word – traditio – which means “to teach.” Holiday Traditions are about handing down something we believe in from generation to generation. Traditions are so important because it is a way we can express to our loved ones how much they mean to us. Think of it as having a built in ritual or routine we can rely on that allows us to bond with our families. At the end of the day, we can always say we are thankful – but having traditions around the holidays is a way to make us feel special and create memories that are priceless.
Here are 3 traditions that can help you create memories:
- Round Robin
Everyone holds hands around the dinner table and each person takes a turn to express their feelings and give thanks.
- The White Envelope
You can decorate your tree or simply give out a white envelope that encloses something you know that person would like, i.e., gift certificate, tickets to a show, etc. A budget is predetermined and everyone is equal in spending amount.
- Grab Bag
Establish a budget for your gift, then set a time prior to holidays to select who you will be purchasing for or everyone sets the amount of spending ahead of time and you do a pot luck grab bag. Either way it’s fun!
With all the festivities and planning ahead, it’s not unusual around the holiday season to feel overwhelmed or stressed about all the things that need to get done. Here are a few tips to help keep you balanced and mindful.
Establish Routines
The key to keeping your life simple is to create simple routines. How you start your day sets the tone for the rest of your day. Try to prepare the night before.
Make A Most Important Task List (MIT)
Set just 3 very important things you want to accomplish each day. Don’t start with a long list of things you probably won’t get done by the end of the day. A simple list of 3 things, ones that would make you feel like you accomplished something.
Leave Space Around Things In Your Day
Whether they are appointments, or things you need to do, don’t stack them back-to-back. Leave a little space between things you need to do, so you will have room for contingencies, and you’ll go through your day much more relaxed.
Go For Quality, Not Quantity
Try not to have a ton of stuff in your life … instead, have just a few possessions, but ones that you really love, and that will last for a long time.
Simplify Your Wardrobe
Is your closet bursting full? Are your drawers so stuffed they don’t close? Simplify your wardrobe by getting rid of anything you no longer wear. Try creating a minimal wardrobe by focusing on simple styles and a few solid colors that all match each other.
Find Inner Simplicity
This could be time praying or communing with God, or time spent meditating or journaling or time spent in nature. However you do it, working on your inner self is worth the time.
Always Ask Yourself
Will this balance and simplify my life? If the answer is no, reconsider.
