by Thomas Kling

Created on: November 08, 2008   Last Updated: November 13, 2008

It often feels like the holiday season has been stolen from us. Just as stores are taking down their Halloween displays, they are putting up their Christmas merchandise. The holidays then go by in a blur and we are left feeling like we missed them again.

For many, this is when the anxiety of the holiday season begins to set in. Thoughts of decorating, cooking, baking, holiday parties, shopping, and finding time to enjoy it all begin to take over. But it doesn't need to be that way.

Decide What is Important

Before you even begin to ponder what you have to accomplish, take a few quiet moments to consider why you put yourself through it all every year. For many people, quality time with the family is the priority. Realize that you can't have it all, and decide what is most important to you. Like the fable of the dog and his reflection, if you try to have everything you want, you could end up with nothing to your satisfaction.

Set Realistic Goals and Expectations

After some careful reflection of what you value most about the season, set out some realistic goals.
Decide what you want to do to meet those goals. Planning too much makes it all seem rushed, forced, or artificial. The best we can do is set up an environment where people can relax and be able to enjoy each other. That will happen best when there are not strict demands on how to act or dress, or what to say or do. Some of our best holiday memories happened despite our best intentions, not because of them.

Don't Procrastinate

In order for your holiday season to run more smoothly, you have to put your plan into action and start early. Hotels, restaurants, and banquet halls fill up quickly this time of year. Shipping packages takes longer due to increased volume.
Even traveling down the road to the mall takes twice as long with all the increased traffic. Start planning early and try to do a little at a time rather than waiting until it's too late.

Take Other's Feelings into Consideration

One of the biggest mistakes we make around the holidays is trying to fulfill our ideal of what we believe others want from us. Sometimes we plan activities we're sure will be precious moments only to find out that no one else is interested. Nothing can crush us quite like the feeling that we are unappreciated. Don't underestimate the power of an impromptu evening at home singing Christmas carols or playing a game.

Remember Yourself

It may seem a contradiction to think about others' feelings and take care of ourselves around the holidays, but many of us tend to get so wrapped up in doing for others that the holidays go by and we feel like we missed them. Remember this holiday season to take a moment for yourself.
Find something that you really want to do and make sure you do it.

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