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I’ll share five hacks to help you keep your cool this holiday season. We all know it’s dark and stressful with too many things going on. But we can ease up on the expectations.
Hacks to Help You Keep Your Cool During the Holidays
Have you ever felt like running through the house screaming (think Macauly Caulkin in Home Alone) during the holidays? I know I have. All those office parties, family visits, gift buying, gift wrapping, and decorating might be an extrovert’s paradise. But for this introvert, I’ve had to learn to take care of myself during the holidays if I want to keep my cool.
Face it, we can love our family to pieces, but some of those old family narratives can also drive us insane. To keep your cool, you must learn healthy ways to flip the script and adopt a positive mindset. We are NOT what people say about us.
Does your office or work party fill you with dread? Do you overindulge because it’s the only way to keep your cool while everyone else seems to be having a great time? Shy introverts can actually enjoy socializing at an office party (see hack number four).
Make this your best holiday season of all. Keep your cool no matter how difficult the conversations get or unrealistic the expectations seem.
Show Notes
How to handle difficult family members during the holidays.
Don’t feel like partying with the jerk at work? Check out this podcast episode.
Need tips on flipping the script?
Looking for some simple ways to make the holidays brighter? Check out this post.

Come Back Next Week
First, I apologize for not having the interview with the funny and entertaining William Daniel. My computer ate the zoom recording. I’ll keep you posted. Next week I’ll share another bonus episode on surviving the holidays.
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I pace myself this time of the year but I’m retired now so it’s easier to do so. 😊
Blessings, Jennifer
Tea With Jennifer recently posted…A lightbulb moment!
I find it easier to pace myselce now that our nest is empty ;).
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Bookish Gift Ideas for Middle School Boys and Girls
Great hacks Anita. These are going to come in really helpful. Especially how to handle difficult family members. Merry Christmas sweet friend! <>
Linking up at #6&7.
PaulaShort recently posted…Peace Be With You— Enjoying A Christ-Centered Christmas + Free Printable 21 Christmas Journal & Prayer Prompts
Family can be so much fun…and so much work! It’s good to get ahead of the game and have our hearts and emotions fortified!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Bookish Gift Ideas for Middle School Boys and Girls
I’ve had to plan a pace this year. Fortunately, my mom visited during Thanksgiving and helped decorate my trees – I had to have it all ready on the 10th for a wedding shower.(It was great having a team). I have decided to not make the Christmas candy this year. I feel like I’ve started culling unused Christmas items – I feel like I can savor because I did pace. Wishing you a Merry Christmas
Maryleigh recently posted…A Blessing Cake
Culling is a great word! We’ve cut down on traditions–mostly because we haven’t really been home for Christmas more than twice in the past ten years! Our kids live thousands of miles away, and it’s easier for us to travel to them.
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Bookish Gift Ideas for Middle School Boys and Girls
Well, since I already cried this morning in Target, it may be too late for me. lol. It was just a sad moment. But I did get almost all my shopping finished by the end of the morning.
Hope your party goes well tonight! And thanks for sharing my post on aging. I’m still working on accepting 60. 🙂
Lisa notes recently posted…When the Power Goes Out—Do You See the Contrast?
Aww, I’m so sorry, Lisa! This can be such an emotional time of year (I’ve done a bit of crying, too). I survived my party (and won a prize for my costume ;)).
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Take Time to Enjoy a Simple Act of Kindness Every Day this Season
My husband has not problem saying “no” to things. I used to resist. Now I see it as a gift. We can’t do it all well and still have peace and joy.
Debbie Wilson recently posted…When the Great I Am Became A Baby
Exactly! No is such a powerful word, isn’t it? But if we say ‘yes,’ to one thing, we have to say a silent ‘no’ to another. And those silent ‘nos’ rack up if we’re saying them to our family members!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Bookish Gift Ideas for Middle School Boys and Girls
Hi Anita.
When my husband was in the Navy we called his required get-togethers “mandatory fun”. I eventually learned to make conversations with the quieter women and I doubt anybody would guess I’m an introvert.
I LOVE that term! Most people don’t know I’m an introvert, either. I’d rather skip the parties and curl up with a good book.
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Bookish Gift Ideas for Middle School Boys and Girls