HMN 2024: Gift Yourself Inner Health for the Holidays

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Around this time of year, there tends to be an increase in both joy and stress, often in equal parts. As a psychologist, I see this in my patients every year. I also see it as an opportunity to help them take care of themselves over the holidays. This means coping with stress, sometimes difficult family members, and sky-high expectations.

Like most families, we have some holiday traditions. Going to a production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at the Civic Center in Madison, Wisconsin, used to always be on the agenda. While we no longer attend a production in person now that I am a dad, we keep the spirit alive by watching a lighter take on the holiday classic: The Muppet Christmas Carol. Michael Caine reportedly took his role as Ebenezer Scrooge as seriously as he would have taken acting in the Royal Shakespeare Company. He ensures Dickens’ words still ring true today as we all try to joyously navigate the season. The following holiday advice, which stems from quotes from the classic novella, may help you stay true to yourself at this time of year.

Set a Budget and Stick to It

“Christmas is a poor excuse every 25th of December to pick a man’s pockets.”

There are many aspects of the holidays that are beyond your control. This is not one of them. It will be important to be on the same page as your partner to avoid disagreements and differing expectations. If he is expecting a new Green Egg Grill and she gives him a pair of socks, or if she expects something from Tiffany & Co. and receives the Jelly of the Month Club, this is a problem. To avoid your own Gift of the Magi situation, be sure to be deliberate about your spending. It is also a good time to be generous. Consider donating (time or money) to a favorite charity to share the joy with others.

Take Time for Yourself

“His own heart laughed: and that was quite enough for him.”

For those of us with children, the holidays are likely all about the kids. This is fine, of course, but to a point. Try to build in some time for yourself, be it coffee with a friend, reading a book by the fire, or walking around your neighborhood, looking at the beautiful lights and decorations. This will ensure you receive some peace of mind during the holidays in addition to providing joy to others.

Keep Your Routine

“I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy. I am as giddy as a drunken man.”

The holidays can be a wonderful time to (maybe) sleep in a little, skip the gym, or partake in a few holiday treats. Indeed, live it up. For many, however, a routine is very important. It may go without saying that anything that will lead to guilt or remorse should be kept to a minimum.

In the end, the holidays are a time for remembering what is important. The traditions and emphasis will vary from one family to the next and around the world. Be sure to continue or create traditions that are meaningful to you. Feel free to drop the ones that no longer work for you. Whatever the holidays mean to your family, I wish you and yours, much happiness. Oh, and in the immortal words of Tiny Tim, “God bless us every one!”