Tips and Tricks: Navigating the Holidays

The holidays are approaching, and for many of us, celebrations are going be very different this year. Setting specific intentions can help you approach the holidays with ease and grace, and may even help you create new traditions you can enjoy in years to come.

As a starter, try this simple intention-setting exercise:

1. Jot down five experiences you remember from past holiday celebrations that brought you joy. For each of these five experiences, focus on the feelings you took away from them rather than the specific circumstances. (Example from my life: the cozy feeling of the whole family being together on Christmas day without having to go anywhere or do anything.)

2. Jot down three to five negative feelings you have experienced during past holidays that you would rather not experience again. (Example: the stress of trying to make everything perfect -- perfect gifts, perfect dinner, etc.)

3. Write down one intention to do one thing over the holidays that is new and different but could help you bring about similar joyful feelings, even if you can't recreate the specific circumstances.

4. Write down one intention to say no to an activity or expectation that has created stress during past holidays.

5. Following through on intentions is a daily, active practice, so be sure to post your intentions somewhere visible so you are reminded of them every day.

Lara Holliday will be leading the Tide Risers community through a more in-depth process of setting meaningful intentions for the holidays on December 8. This webinar is free and open to anyone who identifies as female.