Wifeys & Gentlemen,

I haven’t done my Christmas shopping yet.

I honestly do not know what’s wrong with me this year but I have never been so behind on holiday preparations in my ENTIRE life.

Christmas is my favorite holiday and if you know me, you know I am a stickler for keeping up traditions and being with people I love.

Being so overwhelmed and chaotic this week made me think about how, no matter how much we love the holidays, there is always some level of anxiety that goes along with the season.

From the changes in weather, the gifts, tedious travel, dinners, spending time with people we don’t like, not be able to spend time with people we love, decorations, lost packages, and crazy work schedules everything can feel really heavy and oppressive.

Because I’m a woman about solutions, I put together a list of quick tips/reminders that might help you stay sane through the Season! Please remember that, even if you’re excited about the holidays, it’s okay to be overwhelmed of feel anti-social from time to time. These tips are for ANYONE, even those of us who are blessed with friends and family.

🎁 Don’t be afraid to say “no”.

This is something that I have only been working on recently but is so important for our own self-care. Folks, if you do not want to do something, don’t do it. If you are unable to do something, don’t do it. You don’t even have to have a “legit” reason. Sometimes, you just don’t freaking feel like it! Sometimes, you’re feeling anti-social and just want to watch tv with your dog! All of this is 100% fine. Learn to get comfortable with saying no. This season is about comfort and joy, after all.

Stick to you budget. 🎁

I am the WORST at sticking to my budget around the holidays and, between you and me, I ALWAYS regret it in the end. I am a giver. It is part of how I show people I love them. I am also a Taurus. We like elaborate and fancy things and this is the kind of stuff I like to give. The problem? Every morning I wake up and I am STILL not Beyonce! My funds are not unlimited and come January 1st, rent and bills are still due. I promise, no one will think less of you if you can’t afford to buy fancy gifts this year. No one will think less of you if you can’t buy gifts at all. Show your love to those around you in a way that won’t break the bank. Make a plan and stick to it!

🎁 Pre-plan your “me” time in advance.

If you’re going to be spending time with people that make you feel negatively about yourself, if you’re going to be surrounded by people for an extended period of time, if there will be people sleeping in your house, if you’re going to be sleeping somewhere unfamiliar, plan some “time out” time. Look, I know not all of us are socially anxious or awkward, and that’s fine! I also realize that some of us have wonderful families and we are grateful to have time with them. Still, these situations can be overwhelming, especially if it goes on for more than a couple of days. Even 10 minutes a day to meditate and breathe deeply will do wonders for your sanity. Even on the good days, it’s a great time to reflect, have gratitude, and check in with your own feelings. Take a few minutes to be alone and create personal space.

You don’t have to punish yourself for eating & drinking. 🎁

I know, crazy right?! Turns out, if you over-indulge in junk food and holiday treats, you don’t have to hate yourself afterwards! You don’t have to spend hours in the gym or go on a cleanse to purge yourself of your sins. Haha, in all seriousness though, I know health is important and BELIEVE ME I am guilty of these exact behaviors myself. But they aren’t healthy. They don’t foster a good relationship with ourselves. We should always aim to do things in moderation, sure. But sometimes we do more and sometimes we do less. Give yourself some grace to enjoy the holidays without having to “make up” for it afterwards. Healthy isn’t undone in a day, or week ;-).

🎁 Remember you are loved.

You do not have to tolerate toxic behavior from ANYONE. You hear me? ANYONE; not your mother, not your dad, not your uncles & aunts, not your siblings, not grannie, not cousin Judy, and not even your damn cat! You are loved and you are not alone. If there is anyone out there who has a particularly hard time with the holidays, for any reason, I see you and I want you to know you are loved. When things feel crazy, chaotic, overwhelming, or hopeless, remember you are LOVED and that no one can do it like you.

Do you guys have any go to “survival” tips to keep your sanity through the season? Let me know in the comments!

Note: I will be taking a vacation/hiatus from posting beginning on 12/25 and going through the New Year. I’ve got some really exciting new things to bring you in 2020, so be sure to follow along!

– Mrs. Renai

I hope you all have an amazing holiday season! ❄️

Until next time,

Carry on, wifeys & gents!

Love,

Mrs. Renai

🙂 ❤

Be a lamb and tell your friends…