Feeling grinchy

Can you believe it’s already December? I love the holidays but, let’s be honest, it also can be really stressful and emotional time.
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I felt the need to address an epidemic that seems to grow stronger and more vicious during the winter months. I’m not talking about the flu, though I’d argue the effects are just as detrimental on the health of women around the globe. 

I’m talking about the spirit Grinch that turns so many of us from Ms. Holly Jolly to Ho-Ho-Horrible over the holidays—GUILT.

Though the struggle is real all year long, it comes to an ugly head as obligations and expectations soar during the “happiest time of the year.”

Here are some ideas for how to bring a little more comfort & joy (and way less guilt) to your holiday season:

If you’re not into cooking: 

• Start a tradition of going out to dinner, ordering food from a favorite restaurant, or suggest a potluck so everyone only has to bring one thing (and yes, your thing can be store bought!) 

To avoid hours of clean up: 

• Use disposable plates and utensils for the few days out of the year where the dishes tend to pile higher than the presents

To avoid stressful hours of shopping or endless spending: 

• Ask family members to create and send you their online Wish List so you don’t have to guess or spend your precious time searching for the perfect present at a retail store (if you don’t enjoy that)
• Suggest a Secret Santa or White Elephant gift exchange with a spending limit for all adults

If you’re stressed about sending holiday cards: 

• Be a rebel and send a card during the time of the year that’s best for you. It will be even more fun for everyone to receive because it’s unexpected. Gretchen Rubin, writer & happiness researcher, says she sends Valentine’s Day cards instead of holiday cards. Such a great idea!​

Last but not least: 
Say NO to anything optional that doesn’t bring you joy. 
Yes, that may include disappointing some people and that’s okay. You matter, too. 

You may love cooking, decorating, and shopping on top of everything else you do—you may be in the camp that finds it therapeutic. But if you don’t, you shouldn’t feel guilty about it. 

Ditch the guilt and your holiday to-do list (and attitude) will suddenly look a whole lot nicer. 

P.S. Ready to finally start your home-based writing business? Check out my exclusive 5-month mentorship: The Writerpreneur Workshop.   ​

​Kristina