Holiday Survival Tips

Have you been asking yourself lately “How am I going to make it thru these holidays?”  I love to host parties especially holiday parties, but I also know it takes a lot out of me.  Over the years, it has become easier as I’ve learned what works and doesn’t work for me.  Here are my tips for making the holidays easier are:

1.) Planning is key.  Plan what activities you will be attending.  Pleasantly decline the ones you won’t be. If you are making food, plan your menu well in advance.  Determine when you are doing your Christmas shopping.  And make lists!  It will help you remember what to do and what you have done.  But most of all, plan when you are going to rest.
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2.) Shopping can be challenging but it doesn’t have to be.  Review your Christmas lists. Make a list of what you are purchasing at each store and determine if you can consolidate any purchases to the same store.  Spread your shopping days out so you don’t get over tired.  For easy shopping that doesn’t take a lot of energy, purchase gifts online.  Many companies offer free shipping during the holidays. If you are traveling somewhere for the holidays, have the gifts shipped there so you don’t have to worry about packing them.

3.) Buying groceries can be overwhelming.  Make your grocery list and check it twice so you only go to the store once.  If you are short on energy the day you go to the store, make sure you use the motorized cart.  Many grocery stores now allow you to place your order online.  They do the shopping, bag it and have it ready for when you arrive at the store.  All you have do is pick it up.  How awesome is that?  There are also stores online that will deliver to your door.  They may cost a little bit more, but it is worth it this time of year.

4.) Preparing food for the holiday can be easier than you think.  Look over your menu and decide what you can prepare ahead of time.  Are there appetizers, desserts and casseroles that you can make a day or two ahead of time and store in the refrigerator?  Then all that’s left to do is bake it the day of the festivities.  Spreading out the preparation of food over several days will help conserve your energy.  When preparing a dish, gather all your ingredients and set them on your table.  You can prepare your dish while sitting down.  If you can do this with a lot of your dishes, it will help you conserve your energy.  Also, ask others to bring certain dishes or maybe they have a specialty dish they are known for.  Bake Christmas cookies with friends and have a Christmas cookie exchange at the end of the baking.  Then you have a variety of cookies to serve your guests.

5.) Enjoy the day of the festivities with your family and friends.  By planning and doing a lot of the food preparation ahead of time, you will have more energy to enjoy the day.  If you are running low on energy during the celebration, lay down for 15-30 minutes.  It’s okay if you this a couple times. Plan time during the holidays for a little self-pampering.  Things that make you feel relaxed life a massage, manicure or float therapy.

6.) If you are traveling for the holidays, make sure to take all your medications, lotions/potions, heating pad, cold pack, anything that you would have in your Fibro kit as you never know when you might need it.  I even pack my pillow!  I use a memory foam pillow so I’m able to get down small enough to get it into my suitcase.

7.) Do not feel guilty about the things you cannot do! You cannot control what others think or feel about you but you can control how YOU feel and think. You know your limitations better than anyone else. As my husband is always telling me, it’s so important for you to listen to your body and no one else can do that for you.

With some planning and keeping these tips in mind, you will enjoy your holiday season!