The Introvert's Holiday Survival Plan

If you're an introvert (about 10% of the population), the holidays can be a stressful time. Here are some things to keep in mind to make it more enjoyable for yourself.

1. Be sure and plan plenty of time for extra rest and time alone for recharging your batteries.

2. Don't accept every party invitation. This is good advice for everyone, and especially for you! Prepare ahead of time for those you do attend. Sometimes it's helpful to workout just before going to a social gathering, or to take a nap. Whatever works for you.

3. For the office party, volunteer for some task that can be done alone. Sitting at the registration table is great and can last for most of an open house.

4. At required functions, arrive early and greet everyone. Then you can wander! Also make it a point to say occasionally you're having a good time and to smile, lest people get concerned and overly attentive.

5. Learn to be the official photographer at get-togethers! Or assign yourself as the music-meister for the big family dinner. You can busy yourself endlessly changing CDs if you work it right, have beautiful music and maybe even have some great conversations with other music lovers. Best of all - no "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree"!

6. Understand your social energy levels, and plan accordingly, i.e., leave before you get tired, not after. When you get home, take a nice bubble bath or something and restore your quietude.

7. Turn it down, turn it off. There's nothing dictating all the flashing lights. Eliminate any extra stimulation you can. Something you do have control over is your own house. You can walk outside and enjoy your neighbor's lights when you get the urge.

8. Focus on the parts you enjoy, and leave the rest to others. Be proactive and channel things your way. If you'd like to celebrate with someone and/or feel obligated to celebrate with someone, or know an invitation's coming, jump the gun. Invite them to a Christmas concert or ballet. Invite everyone over to your house for something time-limited as in backed up against another engagement. Have the whole family over for a light supper before Megan's schoool play or a religious service. Christmas Eve also works well. It's generally peaceful and nobody stays late on Christmas Eve.

9. Establish your own traditions regarding the holidays. Take a week off and go to a cabin in the mountains with some good books and music and a favorite person (or not), or just get out of town on a cruise.

10. If you have multiple family obligations, set the tradition that it's one year here, one year there. It's stressful for anyone to run from house to house to house, and definitely not for you.

11. Respect your boundaries. Often other people are drawn to introverts because of their calm and quiet ways. It's up to you whether you want to interact or not.