That sounds stark coming from the spokesperson for Hope, but it's the truth. Family drama, financial demands, sugar EVERYWHERE and the overwhelming expectations from others is enough to give anyone a panic attack. I am giving you permission to stop and say "No thank you". You can decline invitations. You can have pizza for Christmas dinner. You absolutely can give people small gifts or even no gifts.
You can remove alcohol from the equation and you can revise or even discontinue traditions to better meet you and your family's needs.
Do this instead:
- Decide what makes YOU happy. - do that. Notice the things you dread doing - don't do them.
- Tell people your limits and then stand by them. Allies help with this one.
Talk to like minded people in the situation and make a pact. If there are no like minded people in the situation.... why are you there?
- Run away - I did that last year. My son and daughter-in-law and I decided we were cancelling Christmas. We went to the beach. Ate non-holiday food, did non-holiday things and had a peaceful time.
Find Joy in your own unique
way. Here is the truth - You are the perfect just the way you are. So is your family. You don't need to prove yourself to anyone. Holidays are an external event that provide you with an opportunity to connect to your internal truths - Whatever makes you feel connected, grateful, joyful and whole are the things to pursue. The rest is optional.
