Self-Care this H0liday Season Part One

As retail stores love to remind us, the holidays are almost upon us. Thanksgiving is in several weeks and beyond that Christmas and Hannukah. It’s a festive time of year when twinkling lights and inflatable Santas are almost forced upon us. It feels like we should be in high spirits. I mean, everyone else is right? Well, as many people have figured out by now, the holidays can be hard for some people. First, there’s the change in light. Then there are a number of other issues such as grief, missing family, feeling lonely, struggling financially or just not being on board the Cheery Express. This entry is the first of five where I try to guide you through the holiday season. Some I use (most of them), others don’t work for me. Some might work for you, some might not. Just go in with an open mind.

1. Spending more time with an animal. I am lucky enough that I have a cat named Scout, my unofficial therapy animal. The hardest part of the day is about five when it gets dark so at night I will put a fluffy blankie on my lap and Scout will jump right up and curl up on me while I knit and listen to audiobooks. Getting an animal is not always a practical option so I actually suggest stuffed animals. No way are they as good as the real thing but it is important to have something fluffy to clingy to on lonely nights. I collect Winnie the Pooh stuffies so I would know.

2. If you are  having trouble with sleep, try running a hot bubble bath right before bed. Bonus points if you can turn off the bathroom light and light a scented candle instead (obviously only do this if your bathroom has a nightlight or some other way to see. You do not want to spend the holidays in a full body cast after falling and breaking your neck). Listen to a soothing book on tape or some “chill” music until you start feeling sleepy. Then towel off, wrap yourself in warm nighties and crawl into a soft, waiting bed,

3. Make plans with friends to build two gingerbread houses- one for eating (with icing glue) and one for decoration (think gorilla glue). Not only is social interaction essential for when you are feeling most isolated, candy is fun, right? You could also be hardcore about it like  my brother and write out blueprint designs. But frankly that’s just too much pressure for me. 

4. Contemplate the heavens. Advent is a very special time in the Catholic faith and although I am not as familiar with the Jewish faith I know it is a time of importance for them too. Some people complain that the holidays are becoming too secular. I’m not going to get into that argument but I think it’s important for us to realize that the holidays come from a deeper meaning. They are about our relationship with ourselves, with God and with the ones we love. They are not (just) about presents, although that can be a very nice way of showing someone we care for them. I think we should all take time to contemplate our relationship with God this holiday season.

5. Spa day. When I was a child, my grandma who I adored promised me when I was old enough she would take me to a spa. I wasn’t particularly interested as a kid but when I got older I looked forward to it. Unfortunately, my grandma was called back to heaven when I was twelve. So I still have been to one (it’s on the list though).

   
   

Never fear, more tips to come. Im hoping you handle the holiday season. It is truly a wonderful time of year….maybe we can work on making it feel that way?