Sandy Esprit

Everyone knows, the holidays are one of the most stressful times of the year.

At least in Canada, Thanksgiving takes place in October giving Canadians at least two months of prep time before the family returns for another massive food get-together. In the United States, everything takes place within a 5 week window. That’s crazy!

So here’s my advice to anyone who would like to live out their BEST Christmas this year.

1. Don’t be alone; the worst thing we can do is to shut out the world. I know that I myself love to sleep away my problems but that usually makes things worse for me. Sometimes being around loved ones brighten my mood, simply because they know the words to say to make me laugh. Those who know me on an intimate level know the food to bring me that will instantly put a smile on my face (McCain Deep n Delicious Marble cake, yum!). Most times, it’s not just the words it’s the environment. A warm and loving environment may not fix the problem, but at least you will better for a little while.
2. Take the load off; if you’re like me, you’re probably an overachiever who doesn’t need anyone to help because you’re as stubborn as a 2 year old learning to do for herself. While it’s great that you’re so amazing at everything, remember that this is a family get-together. The key word is family,… let me leave that right here. Everyone can help out and everyone should. Whether it’s by bringing a dish, beverage or by cleaning up, there’s no reason for this to be a one-woman (or man) show!
3. Forgive; there is nothing more annoying than going to a family function and feeling the air being sucked out of the room as the tension rises due to an unresolved conflict. Unless you’re the one, who’s got the popcorn waiting to see what’s going to happen next. If that’s you, I’m not judging. Listen! I came to eat, laugh and have myself a MERRY CHRISTMAS! If you’re showing up, be merry. Life is too short. If you have a problem, resolve it. Forgive and be merry.
4. Keep toxic people away! Just because they’re family doesn’t mean they need your presence, time or attention. Your environment should bring out the best in you, not the worst. Who has time for all this drama and messiness? Your mental health and your sanity is important. You are important.
5. If all else fails, SKIP IT! Trust me, nobody has ever died from skipping the holiday traditions. Do you really need a turkey, stuffings, macaroni pie, sweet potato pie, rice, salad, chicken, ham, ribs, cranberry sauce, soup, rum cake, cake, ice cream, etc.? Do you? Really? Does everyone in your family really need a gift? I mean they get to hang out with you isn’t that enough? If it’s too stressful for you to handle a glass of wine and some chinese food sound like a good alternative.

That’s all I got for now. I really hope this was as entertaining to read as it was to write. Let me know what you think.

How do you plan on living out your best Christmas this year?