How to Survive, Thrive During Holidays and Always

By Sandy Schroeder

We all have this image of a perfect holiday in our heads, but matching that image with today’s realities can be a challenge. Thinking of family members who are gone, struggling to find the time to do everything, and just keeping our bearings in a frantic world can turn the holidays into an up-and-down ride.

Looking Back

Long ago, my dad drove up with us to a tree farm and we cut down a huge tree. We managed to wedge it into our station wagon, make it home, get it inside and make it fit. On Christmas Eve it was shining in the window and the kids were beaming. Perfect holiday memory.

Looking Forward

Treasuring memories, but doing our best to make new ones may be the way to survive and thrive.

Count your blessings – Things may not be perfect, but when we look closer there are many things to be grateful for.Ask each person in your family what they are most thankful more. Their answers may surprise you, but they may inspire you, too. Sometimes we forget to tell each other how much we value our family, life and home.

Hang on to your sense of humor – If you can still see the funny side of things, you may relax and really enjoy the season. I have a friend who never loses her cool. She has an irrepressible dog who always manages to be at the center of the action. When they sit down to their holiday dinner, she ushers Teddy into the garage, but she’s sure he has already managed to nab a treat for himself.

Simplify your plans and enjoy being together – It’s fun to decorate, create special dinners, and bake cookies, but it’s also fun to just be together. Do as much as you can, but be realistic and get everyone to pitch in and help.

Share with others – As we look around there are many people out there who could use our help, locally and around the globe. Take the kids with you and visit a local senior facility to sing carols or drop off cookies. Spend a Saturday at the local hospital or animal shelter. Send help to others around the world who have less. Later, sharing and giving may be one of the things your kids remember the most.

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