How to Say No During the Holidays
Parties, cookies, travel, end-of-year projects at work … the six weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day can feel like a mad dash, rather than a fun journey through holiday celebrations. If you find yourself overburdened, overwhelmed and overscheduled, consider these tips for saying no during the holidays to make your days a little brighter: –Make a “to-don’t” list. What things should you scratch off your holiday list this year? Making 12 dozen cookies for the school bake sale? Fretting about the perfect decorations? Trying to attend four parties in one evening? Cutting back on things that make you miserable will give you chance to focus on the events and items that make you happiest this time of year.
–Respect your time. What makes you feel energized? Make sure you make some time for a cup of tea with your best friend, an exercise class or date night during this busy season. While it’s ok to diverge from your schedule, sticking to the things that make you feel good will help keep the “ho, ho, ho” in your holidays. –Avoid a knee-jerk “yes” that you’ll regret. If you tend to automatically say yes to most requests, learn to slow down, take a deep breath and ask yourself if you truly have time for whatever it is you’re being asked to do, designate or donate. You can always respond with, “Let me get back to you on that.” –Plan ahead. When you put together a calendar of your next few weeks, you can see where you have a little space and time and where you need to cut back or slow down. The more you simplify, the more you can enjoy the things that matter most, during the holidays and throughout the new year.
