As the winter holidays approach, maintaining an abundant life can feel incredibly difficult. With parties, gift exchanges, events, and all manner of activities that we feel “expected” to do – or even want to do – it can become an overwhelming time of year.
How can you maintain a sane, abundance mindset during the holidays?

Plan your vacation days.

Whether you have ample vacation time or have to try to squeeze in some time off work, you need to sit down somewhere in October and map out your work-vacation schedule. Consider the schedules of your children and partners as well.

Put in the “must do” activities.

Does your son play in the school orchestra? Put his concert on the calendar. Work obligations or prior commitments also should go on the calendar. Use this master calendar to help you plan out what you can do for the rest of the holiday season.

Consider what you would like to do.

The problem that many people have is that they end up feeling pressured to say “yes” to things they don’t want to do and then have to turn down other opportunities they would like. Take some time to talk to your family and discuss what everyone really wants to do. Perhaps the town’s tree lighting is really important to everyone or going to see a movie that’s coming out is on everyone’s wish list. Begin to fill in the calendar with these items.

Also be firm about what “extras” that you don’t want to do.

Do you hate crowds? Don’t go to the Christmas parade even if your child’s scouting troop is making the trek! Know what you want to avoid and make a commitment to stand firm. Look at everyone’s list and determine if there are some activities that only some of your family and close friends can do. Maybe your oldest child and your spouse love the holiday parade. Let them have some bonding time going while everyone else stays home, for instance.

Develop a good attitude now for obligatory “nuisance” chores.

Some activities are not enjoyable but are necessary to feel that we are being kind to the other people in our lives. Now is the time to explain to your children that visiting Aunt Edna for an hour during the week of Christmas is something that you need to do because she’s elderly, lonely, and loves you. Think about what it is that you get out of the trip. Does Aunt Edna have delicious butterscotch candies out? Do you enjoy looking at the many knickknacks she has? Is there good scenery on the drive to visit?
Preparing yourself early for the onslaught of holiday madness can help you to stay true to yourself while still participating fully.