10 Commandments to Keeping the Holidays Holy!

It's that time again. The time of year that strikes both joy and terror in the hearts of many. Already, retailers have elaborate displays of both turkey dinners and decorated reindeers in stores galore.
They're positioning themselves for this busy, festive season. You should too.

In fact, for writers the "plot thickens" in the upcoming months. The reason?
Most of us are constantly juggling and struggling as a way of life; in order to handle daily demands and pursue our creative dreams. True?
While adding to the equation during the holiday season is entertaining guests; cooking fancy feasts; shopping; church activities; etc.

Which is why, if not handled properly, for some, the holidays can become more hellish than holy.
Lucky for you, I've got you covered with tips and hacks to manage the madness with greater joy and less stress.

10 COMMANDMENTS FOR HOLIDAY SURVIVAL...

1. THOU SHALL REMEMBER THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years should be a time of reflection; a time to honor God and family; a time of gratitude; a time of peace. Keep this in mind when you receive a Xmas gift from the Dollar Tree Store or someone criticizes your Pumpkin Pie. "Don't sweat the small stuff."

2. THOU SHALL LEARN AND PRACTICE THE SERENITY PRAYER.
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference."

3. THOU SHALL SHOW GRACE. GIVE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.
Have you ever had a friend or family member doubt your intentions? Accuse you of something of which you were not guilty?  Misunderstand an innocent comment or request?  Hold ill will without good reason?  I have. Many times we judge people or situations too quickly or without all the facts.
A friend did this with me recently, and I was totally shocked. Instead of this person looking at our long relationship from a historical perspective, and viewing my total character, past interaction and personality, she took one statement I made out of context and thought I was purposely being demanding. But, I don't hold it against her. This is a common tendency, unfortunately.
Ironically, some of the most generous people I know fail to give benefit of the doubt; which is totally free. Go figure. Don't let it be you.

4. THOU SHALL DELEGATE.
I'm a "do-gooder" by nature. As a result, I often take on more than I reasonably should. But, as I get older, I'm learning the importance of self-preservation. Not a bad idea for you as well.
Assign tasks to the kids; have relatives bring their favorite dish; have some of the activities catered.
Learn to "work smarter, not harder."

5. THOU SHALL NOT OFFER CRITICISM, IF NOT OFFERING HELP.
This is an Achilles Heel for me in particular. So often, folks try to force suggestions, reviews, dictates, on the person hosting, with no offers of real help or monetary contributions. Please don't. Unless of course, the person requests input.

6. THOU SHALL FIND THE FUNNY IN FAMILY.
It can be challenging at times, but if we frame our thoughts properly and keep an open mind, we can keep our sense of humor amid these trying times. Humor can help diffuse potentially volatile situations, and it's therapeutic. According to Helpguide.org: "Shared laughter is one of the most effective tools for keeping relationships fresh and exciting. All emotional sharing builds strong and lasting relationship bonds, but sharing laughter also adds joy, vitality, and resilience. And humor is a powerful and effective way to heal resentments, disagreements, and hurts. Laughter unites people during difficult times."

7. THOU SHALL PLAN AHEAD.
There's great validity to the expression, "Those who fail to plan, plan to fail."

8. THOU SHALL TAKE A DRINK AS NEEDED.
No judgment here. If spiking that Eggnog helps to improve your attitude and stay in the groove, go for it.

9. THOU SHALL NOT BE THE HOUSE GUEST FROM HELL!
As much as we may love them, we all have them. You know: guests that drink too much and have too little discretion. Or those that overstay their welcome. Or those with so many dietary restrictions that they are one step away from living in a bubble. Or those that always need to borrow. Or those that don't tidy up after themselves. Or those that like to bring up hurts and old wounds from the past. Or folks who are perpetually pessimistic. Or those who eat up the last bowl of your Captain Crunch.
Or those who routinely fail to replace the toilet paper and ice trays.
Did I miss anybody here? Consider this a public service message: Please stop the madness. I repeat, please stop the madness!

10. THOU SHALL KEEP A JOURNAL HANDY.

Writing is therapeutic. Journaling during the holidays can help decrease stress; keep your writing skills sharp; and help to chronicle ideas, memories, recipes and events for future publication.

There you have it, readers.

Remember...
"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem."

Have a great week ahead.


Thoughts? How do you avoid holiday stress?
Any special plans this year?


Image credits: Pixabay.com