Here are some suggestions to thrive, not just survive during the holidays. They are also suggestions for the rest of the New Year as well! 

• Remember, “No” is a complete sentence. Be picky about where you spend your time and energy. You’ll feel less overwhelmed by demands.
  • “Yes” is also a complete answer.  Be wise and considerate of your full potential. While you don’t want to be overwhelmed, you don’t want your full potentials under-utilized as well.
  • Learn to Strike a Balance!
• Learn to say, “Oh well.” Family members disappoint us. Things don’t go as planned. So what? That’s life.
  • Learn to say “Oh well” in as many situations as possible.Disappointment and unmet plans can happen anywhere, not just within a family. Learn to assess the source of disappointment. If it is from others, then say “Oh well”. If the source of disappointment is coming from inside of you, be honest about it first and then say “Oh well”!
  • In all cases initiate corrective actions, which in the end leaves no one with a need to say “Oh well” too often.
• Let people be who they are.Your mother-in-law is still going to complain the turkey is dry. Your brother is still a know-it-all. Accept that you can’t change them.
  • Everyone and everything is part of “nature”, part of the world you live in. When you accept that, there will be fewer needs to change others.
• Ban the word “should”. No one can do it all. Or do it perfectly. The Martha Stewart police will not come after you if your gifts are not hand-made and the cookies are not homemade.
  • Don’t let the perfect become the enemy of the good.
• Let your inner Scrooge out. We’re expected to be all cheery. But let’s be honest. Lots of us dread the holidays. If you’re not feeling it, don’t force it.
  • Don’t use your inner Scrooge as a cop out: When you laugh, others laugh with you; when you cry, you cry alone.
  • Learn to Strike a Balance!
• Stick to your healthy habits. Don’t bail on your gym or healthy eating routine. And get plenty of rest. It’s easier to stay on track than get back on track.
  • Always stick to your habits; constantly review them to be sure they are indeed healthy habits.
  • Even a good habit at one time can be bad for another time. I  used to run a lot, when I was young. As I grew older, to reduce the impact on my knees and lower back, I have to walk more often.
• Tighten your belt. Set a gift budget and stick to it. Or pare down your gift list. Better yet, give the gift of your time to a friend or loved one.
  • Read the essay on Gift Giving: https://sipractce.wordpress.com/2010/12/24/on-giving-and-receiving-gifts/
• Try a little help from friends. Feeling lonely? Staying home is not the answer. Reach out to friends. Or help another person in need
  • You are part of Nature! So, you are never alone if you look around; no one around you will be alone, if you let them see you!

Note:

We often think of an insurance company only as a middle man, set up to make profits and adding to our costs for health care. So, when I saw the sections in italics as noted above (adapted from a recent e-mail received from Aetna Insurance Company), I was pleasantly surprised. As I was reading, a few parallel thoughts came to my mind, which I have added along with this adapted material.