It’s that time of year again! And I love love LOVE this time of year! Twinkle lights everywhere, Christmas music notes floating through the air, increased generosity and charity towards others, and a sense of wonder and awe for the REASON we celebrate.
However, as an adult, and a MOM, I also feel the STRESS of the holidays. More places to be, presents to buy, more things on the to-do list, EXPECTATIONS, and the list goes on… And if I’m not careful, that STRESS, can extinguish the JOY of the season.
For most people, these “extras” may add a little stress, but for an introvert, who needs time alone or in small groups of people to recharge, it is ESSENTIAL that we put parameters in place in order for us to get through the holidays without going crazy!
And for those of us who are parents to introverted, sensitive children, it is important that WE help guide them in putting parameters in place, so THEY can also enjoy the season!
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Without further ado, here is THE Introvert’s 10 Point Guide For Surviving (and Thriving) During the Holidays:
1. SCHEDULE margin.
There are endless activities and opportunities during the few weeks leading up to Christmas. Don’t book every single day with activities. Schedule days to just be at home.
2. RETREAT when necessary.
Give yourself permission to retreat at a get together if it gets to be too much. It’s amazing how a few minutes in quiet can recharge your spirit. Even if it’s just spending a few extra minutes in the bathroom in silence, LOL. I’m not speaking from experience, of course! 😉
3. Get enough SLEEP.
As an introvert, I know how important it is to get those GOLDEN moments of silence at the end of the day. THEY. ARE. PRICELESS. And sometimes I stay up WAY too late because of this! Set an alarm on your phone if you need to, to remind you to get to bed at a reasonable hour. Some people need 9 hours, others can get by with 5 hours. Do your best to get the sleep YOU need.
4. Sweets in MODERATION.
Okay so maybe this is a good tip for everyone, not just introverts! Enjoy the treats, but don’t go crazy! Sugar suppresses the immune system. But of course, this is the time to enjoy a few extra treats. So enjoy…. BUT, without going overboard!
5. READ a Christmas novel.
Find a book or devotional you can read to reflect on the meaning of the season. This is one of MY goals for this year. A good book forces me to relax and NOT be busy. I’m looking for a new one to read this year, so if you know of any good Christmas novels/books, please leave a comment! A few books that are compilations of stories that I own and enjoy are The Max Lucado Christmas Collection and A Treasury of Christmas Miracles by Karen Kingsbury.
6. Make memories at HOME.
You don’t need to leave your house to make special memories. There are so many things you can do right at home! Read aloud together. We have a basket of Christmas books in our main living area.
Here are some of our favorites:
Jotham’s Journey (older kids)
I Spy Christmas: A Book of Picture Riddles
We’re also doing the Jesse Tree this year using this book. Today, we did Day One, which was “The Stump”. 
Other activities you can do right at home: play games, bake together, watch Christmas movies together.
Here are Marc and the older two playing Ticket to Ride. It’s been a favorite lately (as long as little brother is asleep!)
7. Find people to bless.
Sometimes when we get overwhelmed with the hoopla of the holidays, it can be life-giving to get outside of ourselves and bless those around us. It is doesn’t have to be a major hoo-rah, it can be simple as taking a plate of homemade cookies over to a neighbor’s with an encouraging note. Other ideas could be visiting a nursing home, purchasing a gift for a needy child, handing out McDonald’s gift cards or sandwiches to the homeless. It is always more blessed to give than to receive.
8. CREATE a culture of “cozy and calm” in your home.
Light (or turn on) the fire, cue up your favorite Christmas Music (our favorites are listed here), and brew yourself a cup of tea…
9. Use Curbside pick up for groceries!
It’s the most wonderful time of year and the CRAZY BUSIEST time of year at stores! Pay the extra fee for the convenience of curbside pick-up. We are new to this, and it is amazing. Some stores, like Wal-Mart, even do it for free!
10. SIMPLIFY
Consider simplifying “all the things”. You know, areas like gift-giving, Christmas cards, Christmas baking, homemade gift making. Just because your friend is doing “all the things” and loving it, doesn’t mean it will bring you the same joy. If it brings you joy then that’s great. BUT, if it’s causing you stress, consider doing less.
Blessings to you this season! May it be one that is joy-giving rather than stress-inducing!
