photo: biologyblog.org
It’s here… Flu Season. The pounding head-sore throat-body aching-even my hair hurts-nothing sounds good-dear God maybe I should just die-flu.
Is it a coincidence that flu season overlaps the Holiday season? I think not.
As Mom/Baker/Decorator/Party Planner/Shopper/Gift Wrapper etc. my #1 reason for getting sick during the flu/holiday season is from doing far too much!
In 2010 I vow to stay healthy by Simplifying my Holiday to-do list including:
- Shopping: One word: Online. Two words: Free shipping. Three words: In my pajamas. Added bonus? Avoid germ-filled crowds!
- Holiday baking: this year, I asked the hubbs (aka cookie monster which treats he wanted). I also polled the kids. They told me and now I’m making 4 items instead of 14.
- Decorating: Remembering that whatever I put up… has to come down.
- Cooking: I love to cook and for others especially. But I don’t want to miss all the fun by having my face in the oven all day. I’ve simplified menus & am making as much ahead of time I can. We’ll get together, we’ll laugh, eat, play games, and there will still be more than enough.
- General well-being: When I’m tired, I’m going to bed and I mean it (insert foot stomp here). An extra hour of sleep during the season makes the difference between a happy, healthy host and a cranky curmudgeon.
- Hydration. As in H20. And the occasional Labatt’s.
- Pace: Taking a break –when I least feel like it, I’m bundling up and heading out on a brisk walk. The fresh air and movement aids digestion, puts color in my cheeks and …gives me a break from relatives. Whee!
- Just say no: Most importantly, I’ve stopped saying “yes” to everyone and started saying “yes” to myself. (((Where’s MY Christmas??))) I’m hoping this translates to less cleaning / shopping / wrapping / decorating / making everything sparkly and wonderful ….for everyone else. This year I’m carving out a little “me” time: Time to read.. to cry at a Holiday movie .. to exercise .. to sleep in .. to snuggle up with the hubbs ..to play board games, giggle with grand-kids, sing along to Bing, Ella and Elvis, and be present for all the magic that is the Holidays.
Oh, and wash my hands with soap & warm water. Often.
I think you have covered the bases. Thanks for the tips. This year, my wife and I are the travelers. We have our Christmas (which is a week away from everything!!!!!),ours with her family (across town), and then ours with her Mother’s extended family across the state. Survival guide for this, is to be patient while giving plenty of time for travel and delays. Remembering to enjoy the time together and not to worry over little things which can irritate. Oh, and to help our hosts as much as possible.
excellent points Hemlock1981! I strive to be more patient and especially during the hustle & bustle of the holiday season. Cheers! Thanks so much for stopping in