The Most Important Thing To Do This Holiday Season

Ahhhh, December.  A time when colorful lights illuminate our neighborhoods, strangers greet one another with wishes of "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays," and our to-do lists become so unmanageable it sends stress levels through the roof.  Cookies to bake, lights to hang, the anxiety of wanting to get that "perfect" gift - just typing it is sending the cortisol surging through my body.  *shudder*

Its also a time we hear the message to slow down and remember why we celebrate in the first place.  A wonderful message, most would agree - but who has the time to slow down?  That list I typed was just the tip of the iceberg...

Unfortunately, when our days are so jam-packed with events, it's hard to be present in the here & now.  Our minds are constantly thinking ahead to the next thing on our never-ending list.  What to do? 

You guessed it - slow down anyway. Not always easy, but as a wise, old marketing slogan once told me:  Just Do It. Take some time to savor the holiday happenings around you, and surprise! your happiness will increase. Let me say that again:  enjoying the moment = more happiness.  Be mindful.  Aware. Relax a little.

Easier said than done?  Then plan to relax.  Actually put it on your list.  Use the time you have right now and take a red pen to your to-do list.  What items are big time-suckers that you can do without (do you really need to put up lights a la Clark Griswold or can you throw up a strand and call it good)?  Do you need to attend all of those holiday parties and bring fresh baked treats to each one (repeat after me: it's OK to say no)?  Where can you schedule some time to relax and unwind?

Speaking of unwinding, who doesn't like to unwind with a good book?

*WARNING - Shameless self-promotion ahead*

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