It is so easy to be sucked into the dreaded “holiday overload”. When you have numerous holiday events to attend, dozens of cookies to be baked, presents to be wrapped, and multiple tree’s to be decorated. Learning how to say “No, I don’t have the time to …….” can be tricky for some of us.
I work two jobs. One of which is around 30 hours a week and the other can range anywhere from 10-50 hours. I have three kids and a husband whom I like to spend time with (or just cook a meal for) as well. So many of us are pressed for time what with juggling school activities, family, jobs, bills, cleaning, cooking, volunteering, and sleeping more than 5 hours a night if we are really lucky.
Also I’m basically a shy person, I create a lot of inner anxiety about public speaking and would much rather turn the spotlight onto anyone other than myself. I like volunteering or donating to those in need over the holidays. I like attending events in my community but don’t want to run the show or tap dance in reindeer antlers. It is just not ME. So why create this panic within myself when it’s so unnecessary?
I have been working on trying to balance my life and not drive myself nuts by saying No a little more often. It’s hard. Especially when people look at you like you’re the Grinch who stole Christmas if you decline to participate in whatever they think you should. My thinking lately is this when they start going on about how THEY do blah blah blah and they are just as busy as I am. My inner response is Yes, and look at how stressed out you are! I am not superwoman nor do I want to be. At the end of the day don’t all of us just want to enjoy the small moments we can spend with those we love. Don’t our children, spouses, and friends deserve a little of our undivided attention? I think mine do.