The holidays can be the most wonderful time of year, spent with friends and loved ones. However, if you’ve recently suffered from a break-up, loss of a job, an illness, or some other life challenge, the holidays can be a time of sadness and feeling defeated. Focusing on the good stuff that you do have, and not what you don’t have, can go a long way.
1) It’s important to reflect on what you have accomplished in the past year, and to remember the good times by making a gratitude list or journal. Every day, for the next 26 days, beginning with the letter A, write down three things that you are grateful for. You can even E-mail the list to yourself. If you start this now, by the time Christmas rolls around you’ll have finished your gratitude journal – and you’ll feel so much better about yourself and your relationships as you head into the future.
2) Don’t measure your accomplishments against anyone else’s. Look to the future with new eyes, assured that whatever “small” accomplishments you’ve racked up in the past year were actually big achievements for you. If you’ve not achieved what you thought you would, then set smaller goals for next year. Think baby steps – not a major resolution that is impossible for anyone to keep. That only sets you up for disappointment.
3) The holidays really should be all about showing appreciation for those that have made a difference in your life in some way. Appreciation can be shown in many ways that don’t break the bank and run up credit card debt. Instead, consider baking cookies or pies, or making homemade cards, or a meal. These are all wonderful ways to show that you care. If you know someone is alone, invite them into your home or visit with them. Offering to babysit for someone who is a single parent is also a great way to show appreciation, too.
4) Open up your holiday table. Ask people who may be lonely to come to your home with a dish to share, or invite them over for coffee and dessert. It makes the holidays so much merrier. It doesn’t matter what you celebrate, there is always room for one more.
You should always remember that there’s always someone that has less than you, and the smallest thing you do may be the biggest gift they ever receive. Here’s wishing you a season of good dinners and better desserts!