So, “are you ready for the holidays?” When you think about it, this is a crazy question, yet it is so easy to fall victim to focusing on the future instead of appreciating the moments that lead there. Especially during the month of December, this far-sighted vision is almost inevitable — inevitably stressful. The solution is to stay grounded in the present to make the most of the journey so you can stop and smell the roses (or the holly, perhaps?). This is one of the basics of Lifestyle Design and a key part of balanced living.

The Twelve Days of Christmas is a wonderful carol that conjures up images of golden rings, lords a-leaping and partridges in pear trees. Day by day, increasingly elaborate gifts are given - and appreciated. Similarly, the lighting of the Hanukkah candles has a day-by-day sequence. Each day, the glow from the menorah becomes a stronger and brighter symbol of the miracle of Hanukkah. For me, both of these serve as reminders to live in the moment.

Of course, this applies to living spaces as well. In our task-oriented society, the tendency is to want to be “done” with our homes. When you think of it though, how can a home ever be done, if we are continually growing and changing? In Lifestyle Design, the goal is not to “be done,” but rather, to allow your surroundings to evolve.

For much more on this please join me next month for my workshop Discovering the 8 Basics. Meanwhile, here are 6 Practical Tools for a balanced holiday season. Hopefully they will allow you to enjoy these coming weeks more for what they are - a season, as opposed to a single day. The tools are listed here. For more on each click here.

1. Keep the Joy in Gift Giving
2. Tame Your Social Calendar
3. Know Your Limits and Get Others Involved
4. Enlist Technology to Celebrate the Season
5. Enjoy Family Time
6. Honor Traditions, While Being Open to Change

… and most important of all, just have fun!

 Leave a Comment