I. DON’T RESOLVE FAMILY CONFLICTS.
Have realistic expectations of what you want to accomplish. Holidays gatherings are typically not the best time to fix a relationship, especially if there is alcohol involved. Be cordial to people that you don’t particularly care for, and resist the temptation to come up with passive-aggressive jabs. lf you are trying to improve a relationship, establish a basic dialogue and build on it after the holidays.
2. LIMIT ALCOHOL INTAKE
Alcohol is a depressant, and if you’re already feeling down, it will only – at best – offer a temporary solution. It can also worsen your depression, and bring out feelings of anger and irritability. You also more likely to say things, especially to a family member, that you may later regret. If you crave a festive mood, stick to l-2 drinks, or better yet, try drinking a non-alcoholic beverage, such as coffee, hot apple cider, or hot cocoa. No one will be able to tell the difference.
3. VOLUNTEER
lf your holidays are a lonely affair, chances are you may spend quite a bit of time lamenting life and feeling sorry for yourself. The trick? Redirect the focus away from yourself and onto somebody else in need. Volunteering is a wonderful way to contribute to the community and the grateful smiles and thank you’s in return provide a satisfying reward. Star of Hope Houston, for example, has holiday dinners organized at the George R. Brown Convention Center every Thanksgiving and Christmas and they always need volunteers. Most midsize to larger cities have similar opportunities while smaller towns may have other options. Other alternatives * adopt a family (where you buy them some food and Christmas presents), adopt a pet, or drop off toys at your local fire station.
4. HOLIDAY CRAFTS AND CREATIVITY
If the tlrought of a gift-buying extravaganza fills you with anxiety, consider making handmade gifts. Create a painting, a fruit basket, and/or arts and crafts – the possibilities are endless, and people will be touched when they receive sornething that can’t be bought. Be as creative as you want, even if you do it for your own sake and keep it as your own masterpiece.
5. FUN LOW COST OR FREE ACTIVITIES
Holidays can be expensive, but they don’t have to be. Many activities are free or cheap, such as watching Christmas lights in the neighborhood, window shopping, or enjoying nature in a free park. Try to balance your time between indoors and outdoors, in order get some variety.
6. BE SOCIABLE
lf you already have friends – call them! If you don’t, find some! lt’s not actually as complicated as it sounds. In this internet age, there are plenty of opportunities to
find people who interest you, activities to particitrrate in, and opportunities to meet other people. You may not find your best friend (but then again, you may’ if you’re lucky), but you for sure will find some company. For example, at Meetup.com you’ll find tons of groups meeting at regular basis. Find something that interests you and go for it!
7. FIND YOUR INNER ELF
A little rnischief doesn’t hurt anyone – at least not too – and now may be the time to find your true spirit. Do you care too much about what other people think of you? Do you worry about looking silly? Does the though of doing something differently scare you? Good, because here is a perfect opportunity to push your limits’ Wear a funny holiday-themed hat or costume while running errands; go to a thrift store and find an ugly Christmas sweater, or even break out singing carols in front of your next door neighbors. The goal is not to hurt anyone or do anything illegal, but to be a little bit more authentic and take calculated risks. Even Santa’s helpers took a little break every now and then, and just played around. Why not you? Take things beyond your normal routine and be slightly different!
8. SHOW GRATITUDE
Appreciate what you have. It’s tempting to believe that everyone is having a fabulous, wonderful, and cozy time with their family during the holidays, but the reality says otherwise. Drunken fights, in-laws who hate each other, and spouses who dread finding presents for each other paints a more realistic picture of reality. It may look like everyone is having a good time, because they are posing for a picture-perfect post on social media to make everyone envious. So don’t worry too much – if your holidays are devoid of the optimal cheer, you are probably not as bad off as you think. Appreciate the friend or family connections you do have, perhaps your job, maybe hobbies and count your blessings.
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