5 Ways to Overcome the Holidays, Even if Your Life is Hard

If you have had a tough time this year, due to job loss, illness, the financial crisis, or other heartbreak, you may be dreading the holiday season. These tips from the authors of Overcomers, Inc: True stories of hope, courage, and inspiration will help you cope:

1. Make taking care of yourself and needs your number one priority this year. While it is good to care for others, in times of stress, it is easy to get overwhelmed by too much done on other’s behalf. You have permission to be giving of TLC to yourself and to receive from those who give to you.
2. Get enough rest. If you are feeling sad or stressed, those feelings will intensify if you don’t get enough rest. Be sure you have enough time to recharge your batteries.
3. Create some new traditions. If this is the first year that you’ll face the holidays after the death of a loved one or post layoff, don’t pretend that life is the same and force yourself to do all the things you’ve always done. Keep the traditions that feel good to you with at least one new thing that you will enjoy. New traditions bring more positive energy into the holiday season.
For example, a tradition that began when a family member was going through a lot of adversity was NO buying of material gifts more than $2. Better yet, creative presents from the heart is better. It was the most exciting Christmas day we had filled with gift wrapped containers made from recycled materials with heartfelt joy bursting to be discovered. Our children "shopped" in their own closets, made cards, drawings...and the most important was discovering how much joy, love and thoughtfulness went into the present.
4. Ask for help. If you’ve always entertained people with a full course dinner but just don’t feel up to it or can’t afford it, let your loved ones know. Suggest a pot luck meal, let another family member host the event this year, or have a movie nut with simple snacks. Match your energy level and your budget to what you can do, not what you’ve always done. You'll be amazed at the Spirit of sharing that gets created.
5. Reach out to others in need. No matter how awful you may feel your life is, there are folks in a more difficult situation. Sending an afternoon visiting a nursing home, volunteering in a food pantry, or sending a care package to a member of the military will lift your spirits and help you feel needed.