It’s official: the holiday season is in full swing.
Eggnog. Mile-long lines at the mall. Gingerbread houses. Holiday parties and family reunions galore (over and river and through the woods to your mother-in-law’s house you go!).
Wuh-oh.
It’s a fact: the holidays can get tough- really tough- on your wallet, your self-esteem, and your waistline if you are not intentionally creating what you want. But not THIS year. THIS year will be different.
This year, you can make a change. What makes me say that? Honey, I wrote the book on holiday survival… literally.
Presenting (drumroll please) my ideal holiday workbook and coaching videos:
‘This Ain’t Yo Mama’s Christmas’.
This baby’s got it all. It’s chock full of detailed how-to’s, from planning your holiday budget to deepening family communication and ramping up those god-awful traditions. It’s a playbook for your most peaceful, joyful season yet.
And, It’s yours FREE. Totally free. Just enter your name and email address in the space below, and dive in!
Curious how This Ain’t Yo Mama’s Christmas can improve your holiday?
Here are some sneak preview tips that’ll get you on the road to calm + bright… right away.
1. Bag it, Baby!
What is it you dread the most about the holidays? Running all over town buying things and feeling empty? Agreeing, once again, to host the holiday bake-a-thon in your kitchen? Attending three different holiday dinners because your extended family expect you to?
Make a list, and check it twice. Congratulations- you’ve just pinpointed exactly what you won’t be doing this holiday season.
2. Create one new holiday tradition that is all about connecting with the people you love.
Bag the bake-a-thon, add the “technology free night.”
3. Donate or give to someone needy.
While you give thanks for your family and your blessings, it’s always important to give to those who need it. Here are a few of my favorite charities to donate to over the holidays:
Salvation Army Red Kettle Christmas charity.
The Angel Giving Tree
(This charity helps Christmas wishes come true for children in need. It’s simple- pick an angel and buy one of the suggested gifts. You’ll light up a kid’s whole holiday.)
Write Girl
Operation Once in a Lifetime
(A charity for servicemen and their families)
Toys for Tots
Trees for Troops
4. Let your loved ones off of the hook.
You heard me.
Stop bugging your Great Uncle John about his diabetes. Don’t lay into your 19 year old niece for getting another piercing. Let Grandma sleep in that chair for as long as she likes. Don’t try to force-feed your father gluten-free Christmas cookies if he doesn’t want them. And the fourth time your cousin asks you what the heck it is you do again… smile, and give him your best cocktail pitch. You may just land yourself a new client!
What was that little ditty everyone taught you in kindergarten? ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ Yeah, that one. You better believe that applies to the holidays
5. Be still. Connect with yourself.
Be sure to set aside time for yourself. If you do yoga regularly, make sure you don’t slack, no matter how busy you get. The time to breathe, be still and centered is now, more than ever.
Some people look shocked when I remind them to keep their fitness and health routines up during the holidays. They’re absolutely floored I would encourage them to seek refuge from the holiday squabbles and calorie overloads in a little workout.
It’s not just a good idea- one of the most important things you’ll do for yourself.
I hope these ideas make the holidays a little easier on you.
Post your own holiday survival tips and ideas for spankin’ new holiday traditions in the comments below.
Wishing you all the joys of the season, with all the love in my heart.
Xo,
Susan
