5 Ways to Lose Those Holiday Blues

What a great time of year! It's a time to be thankful for what we have and enjoy all the festivities that mark a renewal of our hope and faith in the "system" that will carry us toward a bright new year.

Right? So if this is such a wonderful season, how come so many of us wind up in Yucksville? It may have something to do with losing our rational map about the time we made the turn at the Grotto of the Great Pumpkin. Let's see if there isn't something we can do to help brighten up this holiday season just a bit.

1. Focus the real reasons we're celebrating.

It doesn't make any difference if we're celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, Boxing Day or New Year's Day ? there is a special significance attached to every holiday. When things start to get out of hand, just take a perspective break to think about why we're observing this special event.

2. Plan ahead.

There are only 24 hours in a day and we need to sleep sometime. By doing just a little planning (and in general, sticking with the plan), we won't be trying to accomplish everything at the last minute. Be sure to include plenty of leisure time just for you and your family or friends so you can step back and enjoy the season together.

3. Budget wisely.

It's not very relaxing to think about having to spend the next year paying off the debts you've accumulated in the spirit of over-zealous giving. Put together a logical budget and stick with it. The basic rule of thumb is "If you ain't got it, don't spend it!"

4. Help others.

It's the season for giving ? and the most precious gift we have is ourselves. Find a way to help those less fortunate. Volunteering our services is a great way to take our minds off of the loneliness some of us may experience at this time of year.

5. Don't over-indulge.

Too much of a good thing ? food, beverages, spending, celebrating ? may be fun at the time but it can also produce moderate to severe consequences. Use a common sense approach to the festivities this season. Position yourself so you will be able to truly enjoy the weeks and months that follow.

About The Author

Gene, through NuPathz.com, provides an easy reading self-help blog, articles, quotations, thoughts and links along with affordable books and materials written to help folks find the road to a more enjoyable lifestyle, to pass on some of life's "secrets for survival" in a chaotic world & offer a few smiles along the way. It's a down-to-earth, simple approach to discovering a better life. You can visit Gene at his website.

gene@nupathz.com

---

The Holiday Army

Here it comes again - the Holiday Army - in... Read More

Is Labor Day Passe

In a word, yes !Labor Day, which started in 1882... Read More

The Christmas Dress

From the time I was a very little girl, I... Read More

12 Things That Make Life Worthwhile!

Happy New Year! Around the world, this is a time... Read More

Tips For Less Holiday Stress

Holiday Stress? Some Tips For Having LessWe all dream of... Read More

Kid Birthday Party Game Ideas - 7 Proven Winners

Here are 7 classic kid birthday party game ideas that... Read More

Marching Towards Mothers Day

"Mother: the most beautiful word on the lips of mankind."... Read More

The Only Way to Turn New Year Resolutions Into Reality!

So you ate, drank and spent too much over the... Read More

Fathers Day Gift Guide

Fathers Day is the one day of the year when... Read More

Color Easter Eggs Naturally With Dyes From Your Kitchen

The most beautiful dyes for Easter eggs come from foodstuff... Read More

Anniversary Gift Ideas Year by Year, the First Nineteen Years

It's impossible to remember what gift is traditional for each... Read More

Celebrating Fathers

On Father's Day, we celebrate the guys in our lives.... Read More

Maybe This Christmas Will Be Different....

Have you always dreamed of a Norman Rockwell Christmas -... Read More

Birthday Flowers

Birthdays are one thing you can count on. We all... Read More

Orlando, The Vacation Station

If you were asked to name 10 reasons why you... Read More

10 Holiday Sober Savers 2004

1.) BEGIN NOW !!!Don't save your shopping, decorating, cooking, wrapping,... Read More

Losing Weight During The Holiday Season--Can It Be Done?

Thirteen years ago I became quite intrigued with the idea... Read More

The Last Laugh: Parental Pranks for April 1

The exact origin of April Fool's Day is uncertain, but... Read More

Advantages of Online Greeting Cards Over Paper Cards - Part II

So, let's review a little what we said in the... Read More

7 Tips For Defusing Holiday Stress

KNOW THYSELFThe first key to creating a peaceful holiday season... Read More

Choosing A Great Gift For A Polar Bear Lover

Do you know someone who is absolutely crazy about polar... Read More

Create a Holiday Feast For The Senses

This is my daughter's first Christmas. Naomi will be nearly... Read More

Unique Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season! Go Digital!

Instead of scouring the mall for gifts this holiday season... Read More

Vastu Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress

Fun, though they are intended to be, The Holidays can... Read More

The Bloated Bar Mitzvah Celebration: 6 Ways to Take It Back

Bar Mitzvah celebrations have grown exponentially in size and scope... Read More

Going Solo on Valentines Day: Advice For Singles

The stores are decorated in candy hearts, flowers and bears.... Read More

Successful Holiday Gift Giving Starts with a Plan

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and the... Read More

The Five Best Cigar-Related Fathers Day Gifts

According to a recent study by the internet cigar retailer... Read More

The Perfect Birthday Present for that Little Girl (No Batteries Required)

The DilemmaAs a mom of a five-year-old girl, I have... Read More

Valentines Day Flowers

Flowers & Valentine's Day go hand in hand. Your Valentine... Read More

Lost and Found (A Valentines Day Story)

I casually glanced down at my hand, but instead of... Read More

The Origin of the Christmas Tree

Have you ever wondered why we decorate a tree for... Read More

10 Ways to Keep Your Expectations From Making You Crazy This Christmas

Christmas is a wonderful time! Everyone is full of good... Read More