ARTICLES / Holiday / Making
the Most of the Holiday Season /
Other Articlesby Helen Hunter, ACSW, LSW
It’s the holidays, “the most wonderful time of the
year.” While this season is a time for us to celebrate
life and our many blessings, stress can exist. I am a
firm believer in living each day to the fullest and
making each moment count, but how can we make the most
of each day, particularly during the hustle and bustle
of the holiday season? Here are some tips that have
worked for me:
SIMPLIFY
Create new traditions that make the most of your energy.
Ask for and allow others to help. Let others make meals,
or share in a potluck meal with other families. Let
others bake or purchase store baked goods, which will
still be enjoyed by all. Let others decorate or wrap
gifts – you can be the supervisor! Keep it simple. You
decide how much you are able to actively participate in
holiday activities, and it’s OK to allow others to help
you in the preparations. Sharing the experience with
others will be fun for all – trust me! By letting others
share in doing what is needed, you allow yourself to
save your physical and emotional energy so you can focus
on what is truly important – enjoying time with your
loved ones!
LIVE IN THE MOMENT
Realize your limitations and learn to feel comfortable
with doing less. Don’t feel obligated to live up to
others’ expectations – do what is best for you. You are
in charge, and when you honestly embrace yourself and
your loved ones, you will be able to handle whatever
obstacles are laid before you. The power of positive
thinking is very important to our physical, emotional
and spiritual well-being so put your best attitude
forward – try it and you’ll see what I mean!! When we
live in the moment, we can make the most of being with
those we love and cherish every experience.
SHARE WITH OTHERS
Volunteering can be very rewarding during the holiday
season as well as throughout the rest of the year, and
you can schedule to do as much or as little as you are
able. You set the pace! Each of us has unique gifts and
talents that we can share, which will enrich our lives
and the lives of others. Whether we wish to serve meals
at a soup kitchen, help others learn to read, adopt a
needy family, visit homebound elders or residents at a
skilled nursing home or assist in a child day care
center, the important thing is to reach out to others in
need. It can be as simple as inviting someone that lives
alone to enjoy in a meal and other festive celebrations.
By sharing with others, all involved will be thankful
for the time spent together.
Keep in mind that it’s not the money spent or the food
baked that is important. It’s the time that you spend
together that makes a memorable celebration. Make the
holiday season (and every day) a time for you and your
loved ones to have fun and share special memories. Spend
time together, sharing meals, talking and enjoying each
other’s company. Count your blessings and remind
yourself to make each day count; not just during the
holiday season, but every day!!
Helen Hunter, ACSW, LSW is an independent geriatric social worker consultant,
trainer and spiritual director. She is also a published author, focusing
on elder care and family care issues. Licensed in the states of New Jersey,
Connecticut, New York and Florida, she currently lives in Middlesex,
New Jersey. She can be reached via e-mail at: helenmetsfan@hotmail.com.
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