8 Tips For Surviving the Holidays

Allow yourself to experience your emotions

Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that it’s okay to be sad, and sometimes we all need a good crying session. It’s important to recognize that bottling up negative feelings can often lead to resentment of the other party. Emotions tend to come in waves, so be prepared with ways to dig yourself out of a rut.

Kick-off a New Project

This can provide you with a great sense of accomplishment. Take your energy and put it into completing a project that can be displayed around your house. Whenever you look at it, it will represent your strength and persistence during this time. Create something beautiful out of a dull situation.

• Order a custom paint by numbers. PaintYourNumberss.com allows you to upload your favorite photo and they will send you a paint-by-numbers kit!
• Start a record collection. There are many new record players on the market and they’re super easy to order online! Buy your favorite album to start your collection and jam out in the living room. Dancing is one of the best stress relievers!

Celebrate With Friends & Family

Although your children won’t be around, that doesn’t mean you can’t spend time with the rest of your family and/or close friends! Plan a get-together at one of your favorite restaurants or bars and enjoy some drinks and good food, with even better company. Or, you could host a holiday-themed party at your home – complete with activities like decoration-making, an appetizer potluck, classic Christmas music, and a cozy fire to sit around.

Facetime Them

If possible, schedule a Facetime or Zoom call with your kids. Catch up, laugh until you cry together over memories, and tell them you love them. Let them know you want them to have fun, be happy, and that you are thinking of them.

Treat Yourself to Something Nice

Replace the hustle & bustle and stress of having guests over with something you enjoy. Treat yourself to a spa day or massage. Or, you can also find bathtub pillows and bubble bath sets available on Amazon!

Give Your Time to a Good Cause

Volunteering your time always feels good during the holiday season. If you’re feeling lonely, food banks, soup kitchens, and senior centers are a few places you can talk to others who are experiencing hardships.

Take a Cruise

Cruiseline staff is one of the most hospitable in the vacation industry, and they always go above and beyond with holiday decorations. Food and drinks are almost always included with your ticket, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy throughout the day. Cruises are also a great way to meet people of all ages! If you’re looking for an easy, moderately-priced getaway, check out the cruise lines that leave from Galveston, Texas. It’s a decent 5-hour drive, but you don’t have to put up with going through an airport during the holidays – a big plus!

Remember, your children still love you!

Being young is all about independence, trying new things, and, sometimes, a sprinkle of rebellion. And you know what I’m talking about because you were once your children’s age! Remember that your kids are building their own lives and sometimes believe they need to experience something on their own. If you are experiencing a rift in the family dynamic, a short, heartfelt message is always appreciated.