Santa’s Stress-Relieving Strategies

 

Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.
- Dale Evans

 

Santa’s Tips for Soothing the Season’s Stress

How to Have Happier Holidays

 

   “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” … or so the song says.    While the year-end holidays are supposed to be a time of love, peace, and joy, they often turn out to be filled with stress, frantic shopping, and worry; especially as we strive to create those breathtaking holiday moments for friends and family. So in an effort to make my own holidays more blissful, I consulted an expert, THE EXPERT (see above!) and picked up a few tips. Here are some of my favorite holiday stress-busting strategies – from Santa to me, and me to you. Enjoy!

1. ‘Tis the Season to be Jolly

Rule Number 1, remember what the holidays are all about! Santa wouldn’t be nearly as much fun to see if he was grumpy and stressed out. Take your time and enjoy the company of those around you. This is the greatest gift you can give to yourself and others.  

2. Make a List and Check It Twice 

Santa has got to be incredibly organized and efficient to accomplish everything he does. Make your master list of what you have to do, and break it down into the top three things everyday. Check your list twice, and only twice, then let it go and get on with it, doing what’s most important, and then moving on to the next.

3. Ask for Help and Trust the Elves

A task shared is a task halved. Santa couldn’t possibly do everything he does if he had to do it on his own. The original jolly old elf knows when to ask for help, and then trust those he asked to do it. So put your elves and helpers to work. Don’t be shy, ask for what you need, then stand back and let them go! It’s a great way to get a lot of things done quickly, to share time with each other.

4. Be Forgiving

We all have our moments of naughty and nice, and never more so than during the busy holiday season. Tight schedules, and tighter budgets can turn the happiest shoppers into harrowing hags. Have a little sympathy, be a bit more gracious and patient. We’ve all been there, and hope that Santa’s forgotten our discourteous moments too.

5. Do Your Own Thing…No Matter What Other People Think

Incredible but true, not everyone believes in old Saint Nick, yet that has never deterred him from making his yearly rounds. Do what’s important to you, what you believe in and makes you feel good. The joy this brings in your life is bound to spill over to others, and whether they’re believers or not, eventually you will win if not their support, at least their hearts.

6. Take Time for Milk and Cookies

Flying around the world in a single night, delivering toys to every girl and boy, is a lot of work, but even Santa finds a time for a break. As wonderful as it is to do things for others, you have to take care of yourself. Stop for milk and cookies (or a hot bath and some chardonnay!) Read the occasional note from a child or maybe even write one. Find the time care for yourself this holiday season, it will be more relaxing and definitely more fun!

7. Give From The Heart 

Gifts from Santa feel so good because they truly come from the heart. The jolly old Claus showers us all with unconditional love and joy. He asks for nothing in return, and simply gives for the joy of giving. Share of your time and of yourself this holiday season, not for what you get back, but purely because you are able to give. So many in this world have so little, and giving is not a duty but a privilege. 

So this holiday season, slow down, breathe deeply, listen to songs and carols and the occasional sleigh bells. Watch glistening snow fall, laugh with playing children, and let the spirit of the season lift your sprits. However you spend the holiday season, my best wishes are with you. May it be wonderful, joyful, happy and safe.

Until next time, take good care of yourself and your life.

These simple tips will bring peace to your soul and a smile to your face!  This article was submitted by Hunter Phoenix about a year ago, and I thought it was time to bring it back to my readers to enjoy.  Have a wonderful holiday season and Merry Christmas!