By: Susan Dorne, OT

Written: November 11, 2009

Each year I am always amazed how quickly time goes by. Once again I’m asking myself “How Many Days until the Holidays?  Didn’t we just finish shopping, having our dinners and going to parties? Well, here we go again!

Now is the time to get started. I thought I’d share some ideas to help conserve energy, simplify things and how to keep a calm mind!

Shopping….

For most people, shopping is preferred in stores. Although this can be challenging for some, there are ways to make it more manageable. Shop during the part of the day when your energy is at its best. The earlier you go, the less people there likely will be. Take into consideration weather, traffic and all that you have to do for that day. Space out what you need to do whether it’s shopping for gift, decorations, food, etc. so you don’t overdo it.  You can also call the stores ahead of time to make sure items you want are available.

Some people, like me, enjoy shopping online. I find it to be the easiest way to conserve energy, avoid frustrations, and find things I would never find in stores. Online shopping eliminates traffic, difficulty parking, dealing with crowds, standing in lines, (which only get worse as the holidays get closer) and of course after all that, needing to go somewhere else or simply drive back home. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to shop online by store name or key words and many have already started their holiday deals. You can also always check for discount coupons/promotional codes for other deal opportunities year round as well.

Holiday Meals …..

Simplify what you have to do for homemade food. Start by purchasing pre-cut/sliced/chopped and already prepared food items and add them to your homemade dishes. It’s one way to take out some of the unnecessary prep work involved. Prepare a little at a time, freeze as you go when cooking/baking early and get other family members or friends involved. You may also want to take into consideration if what you’re providing has to be homemade.

Another suggestion is to make the holiday meal pot luck. You certainly don’t have to do everything and guests typically don’t mind contributing. Avoid unrealistic expectations; you may have to change your own expectations and/or the expectations of others. Hire help, have everyone pitch in, change locations, and try to keep it simple.

Use paper and plastic so everything can be disposed of rather than washed. These goods come in all shapes and sizes and complement all occasions and decorations.  I also suggest using a disposable tablecloth, it makes cleaning a table so easy. Simply remove whatever you don’t want thrown away, then roll it up and toss it out. No crumbs to worry about there!

Overall

No matter what you are going to do, you need to prioritize. Give yourself permission to say no and ask for help. Plan ahead to help eliminate stress and deal with the unexpected.  Remember to work around your limits and do not overdo it as you may pay the consequence in the end.

Let the holidays be a time that you can take pleasure in, being with people is healing.  Do whatever it takes so that in the end you enjoy yourself and the significance of the holidays.

Warm Wishes This Holiday Season,

Susan Dorne, OT

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