Keep the Happy In Your Holiday

Listen, I know how expectations can build during a holiday. This day is no exception. I just want to encourage you to stay focused on the things that matter. Please don’t allow the hype and frenzy to derail your peace and joy.

Listen, I’ll make a deal with you. If you agree do what you can to make the best of this holiday and be positive and calm, I’ll give you a few practical ways to keep the joy and merriment out ahead of the stress and strain. Don’t just wish about a happy holiday. Do something. Deal? Cool beans.

Check Yourself First

Okay I know there may be a few personalities you can’t escape that may be tough to take during this celebration. Let’s make sure yours is not one of them. Yes, check yourself first. Pay attention to the way you are feeling. Listen to what thoughts are running through your head and the words are coming out of your mouth. Are they positive, encouraging, joyous, and light or negative, sad, judgmental and angry? Put good energy into your mood with your own thoughts and words.

Grant Authorization for Joy

This needs to be said at the risk of stating the obvious. You have a choice. You can decide to be joyful. Give yourself permission. Own the magnitude or your personal power. Step into it. Don’t wish for things to be better – actually change. Maybe you don’t feel unspeakable joy because it has never occurred to you that you can decide to do so. You don’t need permission from anyone else to be happy. That authorization is yours to give. Grant yourself some more peace, happiness and unspeakable joy than you have right now.

Have Some Fun

Are you taking yourself too seriously? How can you create some good-natured fun into this moment? Bring the fun back with a lighthearted word or gesture. Find a reason to laugh with the ones you are with.

Sing it!

I’m not sure why singing shifts the atmosphere so quickly. If you need more happy in your holiday, how about belting out one of your favorite tunes? Even if no one joins in right away, you can begin feeling merrier if you sing a little ditty.

Be Thankful

No matter how bleak things might seem, chances are there are more things to be thankful for than you are paying attention to right now. Go on a thanking spree. Tell someone why you appreciate them. Send a text. Make a call. Skype or go visit. Thank someone. Thank yourself. Thank everyone. Say the things that you don’t say often enough. Make someone blush with sincere praise. It’s infectious. Thank no on in particular. Just sitting in a space of thankfulness can melt that cold holiday heart of yours!

Know When You’re Done

Holidays can seem never ending. If you are done then be done with it. Don’t allow an overdose of merriment to make you jaded and worn out. Life will go on if you don’t get it all done. Take a break. Turn it down a bit. Rest. Relax. Switch things up a bit and remember not to toss out all of the self care that keeps you happy throughout the holidays!

Most of all, know that there are people out in the world who wish you nothing but the best that life has to offer! As my Grandma says, if no one else told you today, let me say that you are loved. Happy Holidays!