by Debbie Woodbury, founder WhereWeGoNow.com
Once again, we come to the Holiday Season, a deeply religious time that each of us observes, in his own way, by going to the mall of his choice. Dave Barry
What would happen if the elves went on strike and Santa had to shop at the mall to fill his sleigh? Do you think he would get a bit stressed out enduring the hustle, bustle and bone-crunching competition of Black Friday shopping? Do you think he'd be his usually jolly self if he didn't have the help of the elves to get it all done?
Imagining panic in Santa's eyes reminded me of two more tips I want to share to help you enjoy this holiday season:
1. Ask for help: When our children were young, we started collecting holiday village pieces. Our collection grew over the years to the point that we need an area of about four feet by eight feet to display it. It's a huge job lugging the 20 or so boxes down from the attic, unpacking all the pieces and putting the village together. It used to take me an entire day to get it done while the kids were at school and my husband was at work.
One year, I just didn't have the energy to do it. Eventually someone noticed it wasn't getting done and panic ensued. My response: "If you want the village up, then you have to help." They did and we've enjoyed doing it together every year since. Besides creating a treasured family tradition, I learned a valuable lesson: I had to stop taking on all the responsibility and others were happy to pitch in if I let them.
2. Prioritize enjoyment: I like to bake holiday cookies. It takes time, creates mess and makes you tired, but it's fun. Cleaning the entire house also takes time, creates mess and makes you tired, but it's not fun. That's the difference. There are some "jobs" we like and others we don't. Make sure to prioritize the jobs you like. That's what brings enjoyment into the season.
In the past, I often felt like the holiday season handed me yet another part-time job, with deadlines. This year, I really want to focus on enjoying myself and sharing the spirit of the holidays with my family. Do you have more tips for me on how to better relax and enjoy this holiday season?
ABOUT: Debbie Woodbury is a cancer survivor, blogger, speaker and advocate. She created WhereWeGoNow.com, an interactive online community for cancer survivors living life beyond cancer. Join her to share and connect with other survivors!
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Add a Comment4 Comments
Rosa:
You're much braver than I. We went out on Sunday and it was downright peaceful. I'm not one for crowds, but I do like shopping, so Sunday was perfect!
Survival > Existence,
Debbie
November 28, 2011 - 8:37amThis Comment
Debbie--
Same to you! I had more of a grey Thursday than a black friday (Thanks to Toys R Us opening up at 9pm) but I had a great time and would do it again next year-- with the exception of Wal-Mart :)
-Rosa
November 28, 2011 - 8:00amThis Comment
Rosa:
I hope your Black Friday shopping was especially fun and productive this year. You offer great tips. Thanks for sharing.
Survival > Existence,
Debbie
November 28, 2011 - 7:36amThis Comment
Great Tips Debbie! Asking for help is so important. I asked my niece for help shopping this year and thanks to her amazing help I was in and out of the store within 45 minutes!
This being my first year shopping on Black Friday, I think it's important to remain friendly and upbeat. Many people stand in lines for hours (some for days) without even turning around to say "Hi" to the person behind them. I think it's important to take the time to introduce yourself to the people around you and you'd be pleasantly surprised to see that the time spent waiting to get into your favorite store flies right by you.
Something I would avoid-- purchasing items that are NOT on sale. This is sometimes hard to avoid because you are already there, but the prices on regular items are sometimes marked up and will go down the first couple of weeks in December. So when in doubt, wait it out!
All the best to you!
Rosa
November 25, 2011 - 7:12amThis Comment