12/21/2023
These three words get lots of attention at this time of year: happy, peace, and merry. Do they describe your mood by mid-December or are you more focused on this trio – rushed, exhausted and flustered? Before you get ready to celebrate “Peace on Earth” and all things holiday, load your calendar up with some “Peace of Mind” activities that will provide some moments of sanity for you as things move into holiday warp speed.
1. Create a closet appointment with yourself to come up with three to five holiday outfits that will suit all your activities from casual chic attire for home parties to more formal outfits for business gatherings to festive-wear for New Year’s Eve parties. Don’t just eyeball your clothing possibilities; try them on. This will allow you to know for sure if you have everything you need to complete your looks. If something’s missing, there’s not need to panic. There’s still time to plan a shopping trip.
2. De-stress by planning hair appointments early. You may want to have an up-do for one of your parties. Make an appointment for a blowout. December is the busiest month for hair stylists so call ahead and book it early. You deserve this gift of time and peace of mind.
3. Make appointments for other beauty needs including mani-pedis, brow shaping, waxing, or whatever grooming details give you that polish and boost to your confidence. This may seem like excessive pampering but in the month of December, you can’t have enough “me” time. Your temporary motto is: me first.
4. Are you throwing a party this year? Don’t do it alone! Make a list of tasks and make a point of delegating these tasks to others so you’re not frazzled and exhausted by the time the party rolls around. Do the parts you like best and delegate the others which could include decorations, party favors, set up, creating centerpieces, selecting the music, or creating mood lighting. Helpers could be family members, friends, or hired help. You want to be able to look back at the holiday photos and appreciate how everyone looks festive and happy, including you.
5. If you’re hosting a party or even attending gatherings that are clustered on one or two days, schedule ample recovery time. Again, look at your calendar and make a giant red X across the day (or two) after the party. Besides moving the furniture back and getting everything into the recycling bins, returning any rental items, you need chill time. What’s chill time? Time to sit on the couch, read a book, make a pot of soup or take extra time walking the dog and breathing in that fresh air.
6. Renew friendships. It may seem unthinkable with such a busy schedule, but when you plan ahead, it’s doable. Have lunch with a friend, a romantic dinner with your husband, attend a play with the kids, or have some Facetime chatting with loved ones from far away.
