End of the Year Considerations

It seems by the time November 1st comes around everything is playing to the tune of “beat the clock.” The end-of-the-year has a lot to do with hustle and bustle. Businesses are trying to make plan, so bonuses can be distributed. Retailers are promoting holiday sales by incenting people to shop around the clock in order to get the best savings.

Because of the time of year, we may find ourselves getting caught up in this frenzy. Chances are with the holidays approaching many folks are beginning to prepare for things like making travel arrangements and figuring out which family members are going to host one or more of the holidays. Others may be working on finishing year-end projects around the house. To those with children, in addition to taking care of your own daily routines, at year-end there is also additional stress such as: cleaning, decorating, shopping and wrapping. And once all of that is done then there’s writing and sending of cards and gifts. Then there’s the packing and traveling. And of course cooking, baking, and looking fabulous because that’s what we are expected to do each year.

To those folks that are planning to attend one or more holiday gatherings or planning to have a family holiday photo taken may require multiple outfits for each member of the family. In hopes of saving a few bucks, we pray that there is something in our closets that can be re-worn. We also pray that whatever we find in the closet fits us and definitely fits our children since they’ve grown so much in a short time. We also certainly hope that no one remembers our wearing these outfits at previous times.

Finding time to do all of the things on our holidays lists isn’t contingent to only our schedule. Our children’s schedules are equally hectic with their year-end class projects, social and after school activities. Another consideration is finding time to get everyone together really involves good time-management skills. All of these details can add up to a lot of extra stress for you and for your family members. Instead of just making list after list, why not begin including positive intentions for all of your activities. Intentions are mini-goals which help to keep us focused on what we would really like to experience.

In truth, the most important gift or experience we can give we can give to our self and our family members is the gift of well-being. The gift of well-being is truly a necessary ingredient in all that we do; and yet for many of us, we somehow place a greater value on other things as being more important. Year-end celebrations are meant to be enjoyed. If you are overwhelmed, that's a good indication it's time to slow down. Do plan ahead when possible. Do ask for help from family and friends without feeling guilty or indebted. Most importantly, hold in mind "ALL IS WELL" and that everything will work out perfectly. The more positive attention we place on any subject will certainly help us to create more enjoyable time with family and friends. Gift to yourself a year-end that's worthwhile, peaceful, and a reflection of all of your good work over this past year.

Take time to make better decisions so that you can truly look back on this year and say with much delight, "It was a good holiday season! And next year will be even better!"