Overspending.

So let's look at overspending. I have certainly tried to buy my way to holiday  happiness, have you too? Did you know between 5 and 12 million people in the United States compulsively spend money? 40 million more are over spenders. Here are tools to use if we don't want to be part of those statistics. Prioritize your gift list.  Know exactly how much you plan on spending on each person and write down the amount you spend on a 3 x 5 card or use notes on  your smart phone. Have the limits by each person's name. Have a total holiday budget. Plan to use one credit card only and write down every time you use the card. Use these tools to stop overspending and you will feel more in control of your life.

Overdoing.

How about overdoing? This area can easily get out of control and lead to stress and illness. I know I find that there are so many requests for my time and energy. I have had to learn to say no in order to maintain my health. I hope these tools work for you like they do for me. It is wonderful to take care of yourself during the holidays using meditation, massage, aromatherapy and other self-care practices you enjoy. It is nice to mix old memories with new traditions. Limit your social functions. Use your calendar to plan how many times you are willing to attend functions. Get plenty of rest.  Notice and complement those around you when they do positive things.

Overeating.

Overeating is another area that still has the ability to take over in my life. This is what I do to maintain my healthy eating choices. I use this plan for impulse control for myself, try it to see if it works for you.  Diet is important, making sure you get enough servings of fruits and vegetables and drink water each day. Have a planned snack before big functions so that you can make food and drink choices wisely.  Having regular exercise routine will help you maintain your weight and it's a fabulous stress reducer.

Do you feel blue?

Me too! When I feel loss I express my feelings. It is important to remember people and pets that have passed before us. It is important to talk about people that we love that are no longer with us. It is okay to cry. We need to remember that we can get the blues when we re-experience losses. We may also experience the blues when the holidays are over and things slowdown in January.  Or when we may have extra bills coming in to pay or we may need to lose weight.  If the blues don't go away within in a couple weeks please find someone to talk with, it is a way that you can take better care of yourself.

Gift yourself first.

Even if this feels like it is too overwhelming to do I highly recommend you gift yourself with the time to be proactive. I made these decisions many years ago but check every year to see how I am feeling and to decide what holiday experiences are meaningful and that I choose to experience and enjoy.

What aspects are important to you?

Write them down.

What aspects are important to others that you share the holiday experience with? 

Write them down.

Look at what you want to have as a part of your holiday. For each item on the list, ask the following questions: 

(1) Would the holidays be the same without it?

(2) Is this something you want to do differently?

(3) Do you do it out of habit, tradition, free choice or obligation?

(4) Is it a one person job or can it be shared? 

(5) Who is responsible for seeing it gets done?

(6) Do you like doing it?

(7) Can be delegated or can you pay a service business to do it for you?

Now with the insight you have gained from the visualization process and the questions you have answered regarding the items, prioritize the list by using a numbering system or by re-listing in order of priority. This way the most important things will be done and the least important things can be deleted.