One thing is for sure – when December hits, my calendar starts to fill up with social gatherings. I have trouble saying “no” to things sometimes (this is especially true if I consider it ‘fun’) but I am aware of this personal challenge and so I guess that's good? Yet…there in my calendar lies a few dreaded double bookings. I reply “maybe” or “We’ll try to drop in … “ but what I’m really saying is “I want to cut myself in two and do it all”. We all know this is impossible and so why do I continue to pile things into my schedule?
I love to socialize. Unless I am physically out of commission, I have trouble missing the party. A friend once told me I suffer from “FOMO”. Sounds good, I thought. Wait, what the heck is “FOMO”? Well, it’s simply the fear of missing out. Hmmm. Yet, I CAN spend time alone (I know many people who can’t think of a worse fate) and actually I NEED my time alone. I schedule this into my calendar as best I can so that I don’t do too much and run myself ragged. Because everyone wants you to be at THEIR party and saying ‘no’ just feels wrong. Or, at least, very un-festive-like.
So, here’s my list of what I’ll be trying to remember as I navigate December 2013:
1. Do what you WANT and not what you THINK you should do This is very important. Throw away your feelings of guilt and do what you want. This time of year we are doing so much for other people. We are gift giving and baking for our kids at their schools and caring for our family and working….and the list goes on and on or so it seems. We forget about doing things for ourselves. So, look at your potential commitments, socially, and only do what you want to.
2. Wear something you feel GREAT in
This is extremely important. The way in which you float around a room depends on how you are feeling. If you are feeling fabulous, you will be fabulous. It’s really that simple. Most holiday events will fall into the cocktail or festive category, so as long as you have an elegant party dress, or some bold statement jewelry (this would fly with leather pants/leggings and a holiday top – think silk or sequins) you will feel more at ease knowing you have something in your closet already. There is nothing worse than feeling like you have to rush out to shop because you have ‘nothing to wear to the party’ – especially when the stores are full of people doing just the same. Invest in some quality pieces for this exact scenario and you’ll be glad you did.
3. Take time to remember where you are
There is no other way to say this other than to just say – damn, we are lucky. We live in a free country, we have a voice, most of us have a roof over our head, food on our table, friends and family who love us and help us. When you feel like you’re going to explode because you can’t find a parking spot, stop and remember.
4. Breath
Much like my last point, just breath. We are running at mach speed most of the time and we STILL feel like we should be doing more. This is somewhat ridiculous to me. We are a society that places value on ‘things’, this is just the way it is. So if you don’t necessarily place value on ‘things’ you might sometimes find yourself at odds with society at large. What do people pay attention to? Kim Kardashian gets more attention than our environment (both need work, by the way). So, if you’re like me, and get overwhelmed by how screwy things seem to be out there, a lot of the time, just breath. A few deep into-the-lungs breaths can really slow things down and bring perspective almost immediately. And it feels good.
5. ENJOY!
Have fun, it’s Christmas. No, I’m not going to say “it’s holiday time” because I celebrate Christmas. I respect all faiths and religions but I ask the same for me. This is what I celebrate so there you go. Whatever you are celebrating, just enjoy it. It only comes once a year.