Page 40 - Amarillo Senior Link Magazine Fall 2019- Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS

True Peace and Joy During

the Most wonderful Time

of the Year by Kate Freeman

Certified Senior Move Manager

Ahhh, the holidays … for some, it truly is the Most Wash towels, make beds, stock up on snacks weeks ahead of
Wonderful Time of the Year, but for others, the hustle time so that it is done, and you can enjoy the time with them
and bustle make this time of year so stressful that they when they are with you. Just make sure you make your list
dread the parties, gifts, and shopping and just want and check it twice, so you don’t spend more money on items
January 2nd to be here, already! Then there are the rest that you forgot you already bought!
of us; we tend to be split down the middle. We do love 5. Delegate. Let it go. Enjoy the season. No one else knows
this time of year, but all that has to get done leaves us what is on your to-do list, so don’t waste energy wishing
feeling weary, emotional and stressed, and before we others would help. Most of the time, we don’t tell anyone
know it, the season is over, and we did not do the things else when there is generally a lot of help to be had! We can
that really mattered to us. just get caught up in the busyness and the stress. The kids are
Here are 5 things you can do NOW to make sure the playing, spouses are napping, and we are pulling our hair out.
spirit of the holidays is rewarding and fulfilling ... and So give them a list, and DON’T check it twice! That’s the key
peaceful. to delegation! Let them do the things you have asked so that
1. Prioritize – everything. What is the most important you can all sit down as a family and enjoy your time together.
thing to you this holiday season? What is the one thing The holiday season is about so much more than shopping and
that you truly want to have happen? Is it going to dinner presents under the tree. Making small changes in and to your
with a good friend or going to look at Christmas lights routine, planning ahead and lovingly delegating will help
with your grandchildren? Ask your family what their ensure you ALL have a Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
priority is for this season, for this particular year. Their
answers may surprise you! Make your wishes known
and schedule it, far enough in advance to make sure that
you do not overbook or double book your schedule.
2. Learn to say no. Repeat after me: “I’m so sorry, but
I have a previous engagement.” Say yes to those events
that make you happy and fulfill you but learn to say no to
the things that just add one more item to your to-do list.
No one has to know that your “previous engagement” is
watching White Christmas in your pajamas, cradled up
with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Protect your time
and learn to say No!
3. Start a new tradition. Perhaps your kids and
grandkids are growing up. As they get older, their gifts
get more expensive, or they buy what they want for
themselves. You don’t like to give gift cards or money
(although, many people like them), so maybe it is time for
a new tradition. Perhaps it’s time to start drawing names
so each person just buys for one other. Perhaps it’s time
to just have a meal and play games. Or maybe the new
family tradition is to take a trip somewhere instead of
accumulating more “stuff”. Instead of buying for each
other, consider everyone buying for a local family in
need and blessing them instead. Changing the rules can
alleviate stress for everyone, and you probably haven’t
been the only one thinking about it.
4. Plan ahead. Start thinking now about those events
coming up and work backwards. Big family meal? Start
the menu now, including buying nonperishables early,
to mark that off your to do list. Family coming to town?

40 Amarillo Senior Link