Hell to the "No" to the "Ho, Ho, Ho!"
"Peace on Earth" is a far fetch with the chaos and heaviness in the world today. So, it's more important than ever to protect the peace in your heart, especially when going to holiday gatherings where political and religious issues will be discussed and debated.
Although you cannot control people and situations, you can control how you participate in the holidays in a way that minimizes any emotional distress that may arise.
Just abide by this list, removing expectation and obligation from the inclination to endure any person or situation that is sure to unnerve you.
Ensure yourself a "Happy Holiday" by saying, "Hell No" to:
Anyone who disrespects you. Whether they have something to say about your appearance, lifestyle choices, or political opinions, either assert your right to your beliefs and end the conversation or avoid those people altogether. Your peace of mind isn't worth the war of words.
Overcommitment. You can't be everywhere at once. So, don't feel bad if you have to prioritize certain invitations over others. Most everyone will understand, because they are also juggling personal and professional holiday gatherings with kids' school programs and the additional shopping and cooking and travelling involved in all of that.
Overspending. I'm not sure how the birth of Jesus led to believers and nonbelievers wrapping storebought items in brightly colored paper, but the true spirit of giving comes from that of the heart. So, give if you choose and give what you can; but don't cause yourself the financial and mental instability of trying to live up to others' expectations by uncomfortably overextending youself. Anyone who takes issue with that probably doesn't care about you as much as you think they do.
Drinking too much alcohol. The last thing you need when your Uncle Mike is asserting his political opinions as if he's the Speaker of the House is the liquid courage to retaliate with your contradicting beliefs. No good will come from it. Neither will overdrinking to escape the loneliness of exile and estrangement from family or to tolerate the dysfunction of them. Hangovers don't mix well with the heightened stress of the holiday season, either. So, spare yourself the angst.
Overeating. It's so hard to pass on all of the delicious foods and sweet treats set out at holiday gatherings, as well as all of the cookies and thank-you baskets delivered to your office. Digestive distress is no fun, though. So, remember that before overindulging. Sweets can usually be frozen to enjoy later. Leftover foods can be repurposed into lunches and dinners for other days. And all those baskets? Hopefully, they're filled with fruit to keep your health on track between all the junk you're indulging.
Travelling in bad weather. Speaks for itself. It's just not worth the risk, or the stress, especially when we have the ability to make video calls with our loved ones instead.
✨All in all, just remember that your mental and physical health don't need to be compromised to meet others' expectations. You always have options; and you always have the right to make the decisions that are best for you.✨
So, have a Merry Christmas! 🎅
➡️And, if you end up alone or snowed in, check out my memoir trilogy, beginning with my bestselling and award-winning debut GASPING FOR AIR: THE STRANGLEHOLD OF NARCISSISTIC ABUSE, available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible.📚
