5 Ways to Protect Your Peace This Holiday Season
BY BETSY JORDAN
It’s official: the holidays are here! This season, we are thrilled to welcome guest writer Betsy Jordan, the Minneapolis-based author of Keep Your Eyes on Your Own Paper and host of the podcast, The Good Day, Good Life. Today, she’s sharing a few tried-and-true ways she stays present and balanced throughout the most wonderful time of the year. Want to listen to this article? Check out the episode here! Without further ado, here’s Betsy!
During the holidays, it is only a matter of time before invitations for gatherings begin to roll in. Trying to maintain friendships, family dynamics, and wellness during this time seems like a job all its own. Here are five ways to protect your peace this holiday season.
1. Be Realistic with Your Social Calendar:
From Christmas to Friendsgiving and office parties, the events can start to pile up. Suddenly, you are booked every weekend until the new year. One way to protect your peace this winter is to not overbook yourself. Before accepting an invite, look at your calendar realistically. If you already have a party and you know work is going to be hectic that week-you may have to decline a second invitation. Decide which events make the most sense for you and know it’s ok if you can’t attend every party.
2. Maintain Your Financial Wellbeing:
It can feel like everything costs money to show you care about someone. This season, let’s explore some cost-effective alternatives that won’t break the bank.
Setting a budget for the group of people you’re planning to buy for. This is a great way to put a cap on spending. Eg; I will only spend $25 per person. This allows you to set a range on websites and only see the items within your budget.
Doing Secret Santa. If you have a large family or friend group, you can set a price range of $25-$50 and only buy for one person instead of five or more. Secret Santa groups often fill out a form with likes and dislikes, guiding you towards a gift you know they will enjoy.
Enjoying a potluck over games instead of gifts. Having everyone bring a homemade dish and playing games can distribute the labor and cost of cooking among the group. A potluck can help you get to know your group better and lead to an exchange of new recipes! This option is such a great way to be in community and share your food traditions with others.
Gifting food. Making homemade granola or bread with the recipe attached is a thoughtful and functional gift. It can offer a break from the typical holiday treats and people use these items in their everyday breakfasts or snacks. This is also a great way to show off your skills without breaking the bank.
Image via Unsplash
3. Plan Your Recharge Time:
There are gatherings a plenty during the holiday season, so plotting your recharge time is crucial. Whether you’re home for two weeks or two days-sometimes you just need a moment alone. This can look like going to a coffee shop alone or watching a show. Booking a hotel to ensure you have proper recharge time is also a good option if you are visiting family. Even if you are not going anywhere this holiday season, adding holiday gatherings can be a lot with your regular schedule. Take time to do the things that recharge you, including being horizontal.
4. Keep Your Routine:
If you love to include a workout but are traveling without access to a gym, look up YouTube workouts that require no equipment. If you like to start your day by journaling over coffee, pack your journal and set aside time for yourself. What are the elements of your routine that you can travel with to keep you grounded? Routine can provide comfort and structure in a time that feels hectic. These rituals can help us re-focus and be our best selves.
5. Have Grace:
The holiday season is an exciting time filled with loved ones, yummy food, and social gatherings. However, things might get missed. It might not be possible for you to make all the holiday office parties or give everyone the perfect gift. If your routine is a little wanky this holiday season, remember to give yourself grace.
The holidays are a special time of the year to spread joy and be in community. As someone who always wants to show up for the people I love, I found that using these five tips during the holidays has made that possible. I know filling my cup is what protects my peace and allows me to be my best. I hope you all stay warm and peaceful this holiday season!
Betsy Jordan
Betsy is the author of Keep Your Eyes on Your Own Paper and currently works in social media marketing.
