As the days get shorter, the weather gets colder and the holiday season gets into full swing, you are either feeling the spirit of the holidays, stressed out or both. The holiday season is the perfect time to turn your attention to family, friends and good times. As you kick back relaxing on your own or catching up with loved ones, here is my list of 15 ways you might enjoy this holiday season:
1. Go skating. I have a colleague who rents an outdoor skating rink every year and invites all his colleagues, friends and family as a way to stay connected with people he may or may not have seen throughout the year.
2. Go skiing. Wonderfully exhilarating and such a great way to take full advantage of winter weather.
3. Take a camera and go for a hike or a walk. Nothing gets you more relaxed than spending some time in nature. Taking pictures allows you to freeze the special moments in time.
4. Throw a party. It’s a time to be merry, so live a little and invite your closest friends for some laughs and some good food. Some of my favorite memories and stories are from party times spent with friends.
5. Take a trip. Whether you travel to warmer climates for some sun and relaxation or take a trip to New York City to see the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, getting away can be a fun thing to do as a group or on your own.
6. Watch your favorite holiday movies. Over the years, we have bought some of our favorite holiday movies which we pull out each year and watch over and over again. They are so heart-warming and wonderful to watch curled up on the couch with family.
7. Connect with friends. This is a great time to call people you haven’t seen or talked to in awhile. If social media is more your thing, then an email, facebook message, LinkedIn connection or tweet may be just the thing to say hello and let them know you are thinking of them.
8. Read a book. If you are anything like me you have a pile of unfinished or never started books on your bedside table. Now may be a good time to finish reading that book or to start a new one.
9. Attend a performance. See the Nutcracker Ballet, listen to a choir or concert or attend a play. There is lots to choose from and a nice way to celebrate the holidays.
10. Make a specialty drink. Prepare some hot apple cider, mulled wine or some decadent hot chocolate as a special treat.
11. Go to the spa. Treat yourself to a facial, a massage or an exotic body wrap. You deserve it!
12. Put together a puzzle. When the kids were little I would buy a brand new 500-1000 piece puzzle around the holidays and it would be a gathering spot for a few minutes or several hours as various family members would take their turn working on the puzzle. It was a fun way to keep everyone engaged.
13. Visit friends or family. Catch up with friends and family in person.
14. Play a sport outdoors. When was the last time you played street hockey? Or how about touch football in the snow?
15. Volunteer at your local Food Bank. Nothing gives you more perspective on the spirit of giving and the gratitude of receiving.
Taking time to de-stress and balance your busy life with some downtime is not only fun but important. Shift gears, you’ve worked hard all year, during the next few weeks take time to find some balance and downtime before you start up again in the new year.
Happy Holidays!
If you are interested in learning more about the many ways you can successfully develop and achieve your goals, dreams and aspirations, please call Linda at 416-617-0734 or email linda@lindacattelan.com.
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