Essential Holiday Survival Strategies — How to Survive without Losing that Spirit!

Why would you even need holiday survival strategies? Well, to begin with, the holidays mean something different to everyone. That means people are approaching the season in different ways.

And, although the whole point is to have a lot of fun while spreading good cheer, we’re all going to find times during the holidays where feeling the fun and cheer is a tall order.

So, buckle up and get ready for a brief Scrooge moment.

Sometimes the holidays feel like a welcome break in life’s everyday routines.  We like to think of them as a chance to relax and connect with friends, family, and loved ones while at the same time we’re maxing out our inner stress meters.

Think about what else gets mixed in…

• You’re at least twice as busy at work
• December could have sixty days and it still wouldn’t be enough
• You have more obligations that come with even more expectations

Then, after about six or so weeks of holiday cheer, everything comes to a rather abrupt end after a final night of amped-up celebration where everyone is required to have a good time. Or else. Because it’s expected.

If that weren’t enough, now we get to start a brand-new year filled with anticipation. Or… more appropriately, more expectations. Which also hit an unfortunate ending about three weeks into the new year once the newfound motivation fades into the bitter cold of winter.

Wow, that was Scrooge-ridden. Yikes.

Now that we have Round 1 (Thanksgiving) under our belts, let’s talk holiday survival strategies… 

First off, why do we need holiday survival strategies? Well, we’ve kind of covered that, haven’t we?

There aren’t many things that require much more-more-more, go-go-go, now-now-now than the holidays. It can be rough. This time of year is not for amateurs.

How do you feel after only getting through Thanksgiving? Yeah, It couldn’t have been that hard. You got to cook, and eat, and sleep… then you wrapped it up with dessert. How much easier can it get?

Take note—Thanksgiving is just a warmup!

And what about that new national holiday called Black Friday—how do you feel by adding that day of mayhem to your holiday activities?

You know, if we’re being honest, the holidays can take some real work to get through with our sanity intact. The goal here is to employ some reliable holiday survival strategies to get us through as unscathed as possible while actually experiencing the fun and good cheer.

I was reading this year’s Thanksgiving email from EVRYMAN when the inspiration for this post hit me.

Let’s start with three solid basics that are good for more than the holiday season.

The guys at EVRYMAN shared these simple strategies:

• Slow the [#@(*!] down and be in the moment 
• Talk a little less and listen a lot more 
• Feel, all of it

Not bad advice if you ask me. If you keep those three holiday survival strategies in your hip pocket for the next few weeks and into the new year, you’ll be in pretty good shape.

But that’s not enough.

You’re going to need some rest and downtime.

One of my go-to survival rules not just for the holidays is this…

“You’ve got to unplug to recharge!”

Start by minimizing your screen time as much as you can. The holidays are no time to test your stamina by attempting to be on 24/7. We humans simply aren’t wired that way.

So, I’ll say it to you again, “You’re going to need some downtime, my friend.” That can mean something as radical as making sure you get enough sleep. As crazy as it may sound, getting enough sleep is a survival strategy too. It shouldn’t be, but it’s just part of modern life. 

Look for “pockets” of rest.

Here’s a new idea my friend, Mitch Matthews posted about this week. 

The key is to find “pockets” of rest,” he says “That 15 minutes… that you don’t fill with work or social media… or that 5 minutes you give yourself to just breathe. Or that 10 minutes waiting in line when you think of some of the things you’re grateful for instead of scanning the headlines that are close by.”

— Mitch Matthews, entrepreneur, success coach, and podcaster

Pockets of rest may be just the thing to fill in the gaps here and there. Oh, did I mention he learned about pockets of rest from his dog, Hiro?

Here’s an important “why?” to keep in mind.

The holidays are about coming together and growing our connection to friends, family, and loved ones. Let’s not forget the spiritual part either. The part that’s bigger than all of us. And let’s also keep in mind that this most important part of the holidays might be different for the person you’re visiting with at any one moment.

Bonus! —Click here for more holiday survival strategies.

So, how do you survive—What’s your go-to strategy for keeping your Merry Merry?

Be untucked.

p.s. It’s a good time, too, for an important reminder.

I’m typing away talking all tongue-in-cheek about holiday survival strategies when too many people will find the holidays unbearable this year. Keep in mind not everyone’s holidays will be filled with good cheer.

This could be the single most important holiday survival strategy to keep close at hand for a loved one in need. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255) is available 24 hours a day. Keep the number close at hand in case you notice that someone might need some help.

Copyright © 2021 Jeff Meister – All Rights Reserved