How to Make the Holidays Stress Free!

In this edition of The Grace of Girlfriends, we asked  three San Francisco Bay Area women the following question:

What are your favorite ways to make the holidays memorable and stress free?

Carolyn Kellams

The holidays are a magical time! I decorate, entertain, go to parties, and have a merry season. Years ago I stopped buying presents for adults (but still give gifts to children). When I told my friends I was not exchanging presents, I encouraged us to develop traditions where we DID something fun together.

To be honest, I don’t want to receive a gift I don’t want, nor give one to someone who has everything. Not buying gifts is a huge relief. And, having holiday adventures is fun! I’m a single person.

Five years ago, after continuous social events and weight gain beginning at Thanksgiving, I decided to stay home on Christmas day. At first, friends didn’t understand my new tradition. Christmas is my day.

I have a roaring fire, my cat Mango and I are curled up on the sofa and I watch movies. Dinner is fresh crab, sourdough bread, a delicious salad, chocolate dessert and Champaign. It’s my Merry Christmas!

Carolyn Kellams is a Life Coach and teaches Stress and Time Management workshops. She also tries to practice what she preaches!

Lorena Bathey

Holidays can be filled with immense emotion and frustration.  At this time of year your shortcomings can be amplified.  Not in a relationship?  What’s wrong with you?  Don’t have enough money for gifts?  Why don’t you have a better job?  

I challenge you to look at this holiday season as a time to gift yourself. 

Buy a tree that YOU like and put your favorite ornaments on it.  Create a dinner party to celebrate with your favorite dishes and people.  Or celebrate your holidays lying on a beach because you have always wanted to. 

This year do NOT make resolutions, instead make gifts to yourself to do the things that you have put off.  Stress comes when you try to live your life in ways you do not feel comfortable doing. 

So put a bow on YOUR life and determine what YOU want for your holiday…..then live that all year long.

Lorena Bathey is an author, speaker, and motivator for Fairy Godmothers everywhere.  Her book, Happy Beginnings: How I Became My Own Fairy Godmother  was her catalyst to teaching women how to create their own real life fairy tales. 

Ann Gilbert

Each year, we add an ornament for our tree.  This year the kids will pick their own.  Remembering the past years selection is a fun tradition.

 I love giving holiday gifts.  I ask myself, what do I love about this person?  What do they talk about?  What preoccupies them?  I want to give a gift that says, “I really know you.”

We often travel to my mother-in-laws for the holidays.  Last year, after complaining to a friend, I made a list of the things I would do better.  Here is what I wrote;

- Call my mom/sisters more while away.

- Stay hydrated.  (Drink the good wine the week before!)

- Bring a good book and my music for my personal cheer.

- Schedule a massage. (flight with kids; brutal)

 At holiday parties my favorite question is, “Now that the year is ending, what did you do or learn this year?”

Ann Gilbert, a Personal and Business Coach, helps people relate with each other and themselves through effective personal strategies.   Ann is also the Mom of twin sons. 

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Tags: Know Yourself, My Time, work/life balance

Category: Grace of Girlfriends