Thursday Thirteen #220

Christmas is almost upon us, so today I thought I'd offer up 13 ways to keep your sanity whilst trying to make everybody else happy.

1. Make a list. You might need to make several lists: who to buy for, and what, the food you want to purchase, Christmas cards, etc. This is the best way to make sure you get it all taken care of, and there's a reason why it's number one on my list.

2. Do what you can early. This one comes a little late in the season to be of much help, but generally speaking, if you can get the cards out early, or the presents purchased (and wrapped!) before today's date, or even by December 20, it makes things a little easier than if you wait until the last minute.

3. Say no. This is a hard one to put in place, because you don't want to turn folks down. But there is such a thing as too much - too many parties, too many nights out, too much time around people who don't really matter to you. Pick the most important events or activities and stick with those.

4. Do what you enjoy, and skip the rest. If you love to bake, then make cookies and cakes to your heart's content, but if that's not your thing, buy it at the market, put it on a pretty plate, and forget about it. If you like to make personal presents for your family, do it, but don't feel bad if you have to purchase something. While "it's the thought that counts" seems to have gone the way of partisan politics and world sanity, it really is the heart of the matter.

5. Turn off your internal critic. Give yourself a pep talk every day. Say things like, "I'm a good person," or make a list of your blessings. When you are annoyed, tell yourself that it will pass and tomorrow will be better.  Close your eyes, take a big, long, deep breath, and think about something peaceful, like a mountain or the ocean, for just a few minutes. It will help.

6. Change your environment. Sometimes it's enough to drive you crazy. If you're in the house all the time, get out and take a walk or go for a drive and look at the lights. If you're stuck at work, take your lunch break and enjoy the sights. Don't stay stuck there. Change your view and change your life.

7. Do what makes you happy. If you like to watch Rudolph, watch it! If you're into It's A Wonderful Life, make sure you have the DVD and make time to see it. Give yourself a little me time to do what you want so that you can recharge those ol' batteries.

8. Take care of your health. Unfortunately, this time of year is fraught with colds, flu, and tummy troubles. Wash your hands frequently, take your vitamins (maybe extra Vitamin D this time of year), and don't scrimp on sleep and healthy food. Exercise as much as you can. Don't skip meals or eat poorly because you think it will save time. You'll lose a lot more time than you'll save if you end up spending three days in bed with a fever.

9. Keep to your budget. This can be hard to do at this time of the year, but it is important for your overall happiness. First, of course, you should actually create a budget for the holiday, and don't forget to include entertaining expenses. Be sure to shop smart and hit the sales if money is an issue.

10. Help someone else. It's been shown that helping others helps you by lifting your spirits and giving you feel-good cooties. We all need feel-good cooties, so do a good deed. You can buy a toy for a child, do an angel tree, bake cookies for a shut-in neighbor, or just go out of your way to be kind to your spouse if you're interested in having a few of those feel-good cooties yourself. Of course, you can also just write a check to a few non-profits. It will give you feel-good cooties, too.

11. Meditate and/or pray. Praying and meditation is a good way to lower your blood pressure and heart rate, something we all need this time of the year. It promotes well-being, and who doesn't need that?

12. Be flexible. Sometimes your plans will change, and that's okay. You will still have a good time, so go along and enjoy it when your Thursday evening shopping trip turns into a sudden evening out with the office staff.

13. Use that mistletoe! In my opinion, in the United States, we don't have enough touch in our lives. We need to hug and kiss more. So pucker up, and lay one on your spouse. It'll do you both good.


Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here. I've been playing for a while and this is my 220th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday.