How NOT to be a Grinch this Holiday Season

As the song goes, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year “, or at least it should be. For some of us, it’s difficult to jump right in to that holiday spirit. I totally get it. The holiday season can be expensive and overwhelming, and frankly, it’s a lot to take in. Plus there’s the pressure to be joyful all of the time. It also can be rough to deal with everyone being happy when you’re going through something tough.

It may be this insane COVID year, or you’re stressed from work, or relationship troubles. Or maybe, you feel like Christmas has been here since the beginning of Fall and you’re already over it. Whatever the reason, here are some important things to consider when thinking about how not to be a Grinch, or just a Moody AF Gangsta, when you feel yourself getting a bit down/upset this holiday.

1. Don’t Forget to Eat
   • Getting Hangry is a real thing, and it can seriously mess with your mood. Make healthy snacks and keep them in the fridge for a quick pick me up. Even keep fresh apples, peanut butter, or string cheese around for a quick pick me up.
2. Head Outside And Soak Up A Little Sunshine
   • Step outside and getting some vitamin D. You’ll feel the benefits of the sunshine in a matter of seconds. Wrap yourself up if it’s cold and give it a few minutes of breathing in fresh air, watching birds or neighbors or animals go by.
3. Watch Your Favorite Holiday Movie
   • A good movie always helps us escape reality for a bit, so if you’re feeling down, pick yourself up by watching a holiday movie you know you love. Doesn’t matter whether it’s a Christmas movie or a terrifying clown, Zombies wiping out mankind, Asteroids blowing up Earth, or Bruce Willis saving more passengers on airplanes….whatever floats your boat.
4. Decorate Your Home For The Holidays
   • Sometimes, it just takes a little bit of “you time” at home to give yourself the break you need to get in the right mood. Schedule a time to just relax while decorating for the holidays. A few candles or window stickers, one wreathe, or just some lights around the room without a tree… is a zen-like activity that could get you feeling better.
5. Talk or Video Chat with a Friend(s) Or Family
   • Download ZOOM or Facebook Messenger, or use an ALEXA device to call one friend or family member. Even when you’re feeling down, talking with ONE person can make a difference. Plan a little watch party for a movie with some friends or have a night in with immediate family playing games.
6. Make, Don’t Buy, Your Holiday Gifts
   • The holidays can be expensive. Period. So try this year to DIY your decorations, make your holiday gifts (could be anything from a tin of cookies, homemade jam, to homemade herb butter). Plus…this year, commit to maybe only ONE gift exchange.
7. Volunteer to Help Someone In Need
   • Now is a great time to volunteer your time to help someone else. There are many people out of work now, and without even the basic of needs. You could go through your items at home and donate, make a meal for your neighbors or even that person you see on the street everyday that obviously has nothing. You could buy a gift for a child in need, or help out at a soup kitchen in your town or city. No matter what you do, the joy you bring to someone else is going to put a smile on your face.